School Bus Driver Rescues Toddler from Side of U.S. 19

A Palm Harbor Middle School bus driver who pulled his school bus over to rescue a toddler standing on the side of U.S. 19 will be honored Tuesday by the Pinellas County School Board.

Jim Letos was driving students to school on Monday, Feb. 11, when he noticed a toddler who appeared to be unattended on the side of U.S. 19. Letos, who has been a school bus driver in Pinellas County for 19 years, pulled the school bus off the road, got off the bus and rescued the child. Students on the bus helped care for the toddler until Pinellas County Sheriff's deputies arrived, according to Pinellas County School District documents.

The child's parents came out of a nearby motel searching for the child. Letos told the parents he had their child on the bus. Pinellas County Sheriff's deputies arrived and helped resolve the situation.

Pinellas County School Superintendent Michael Grego praised Letos' quick response and thoughtful actions in a memo:

"His actions in handling this situation exemplify that school bus drivers have a high regard for the safety of their students and the community as a whole. 

In this brief moment of time, Mr. Letos also served as a role model to the students on his bus in the way he reacted to this situation. He could have easily driven on to his next bus stop and ignored this situation as so many other drivers were doing at the time."

Are there any unsung heroes who've helped your child at school? Let us know in the comments section below!

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