Teen Honored for Helping Save Choking Student While on School Bus
Rachel Trimbell receives the New York State Senate Liberty Medal for performing the Heimlich maneuver on another student who was choking on a piece of candy while on the school bus.

Sen. Jen Metzger (center) presented Rachel Trimbell with the New York State Senate Liberty Medal for helping save another student who was choking on a piece of candy while on the school bus. Pictured right is Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond. Photo courtesy of Sen. Metzger's office
DELHI, N.Y. — A 14-year-old student here was recognized by the state Senate on Thursday for her heroic efforts in helping save another student who was choking while on the school bus earlier this year.
As previously reported, Rachel Trimbell successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver on first grader Danielle Miller, who was choking on a piece of candy while she was on a Walton Central School District bus. Trimbell, who is certified in CPR and first aid, said she thought it was about the fifth try when the candy became dislodged and everything seemed to be back to normal.
During a ceremony at the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Sen. Jen Metzger presented Trimbell with the New York State Senate Liberty Medal for her quick response in saving Miller, according to a news release from Metzger’s office. Trimbell’s family and Sheriff Craig DuMond were also in attendance.
“Rachel Trimbell’s swift and courageous actions were nothing short of heroic,” Metzger said. “Her willingness to take charge in this frightening emergency situation and make use of her first aid knowledge is truly worthy of this important recognition."
The Liberty Medal is the highest civilian honor that a state resident can receive and is awarded to individuals for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers, according to Metzger’s office.
In addition to the Liberty Medal, Trimbell is the first ever recipient of the Super Star Award, which was presented to her on behalf of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office in May, according to Metzger’s office.
More Safety

NHTSA Releases 10-Year Review of Fatal School Bus Crashes
The latest federal analysis reinforces the safety of school buses while identifying where school-age pedestrians and other motorists remain most at risk.
Read More →
2026 NASDPTS Survey: Data Shows Further Reduction of Illegal Passing
New data is in! School bus stop-arm passings are down to 38.4 million violations per year, about a 2.3% decrease from last school year — but passings on the right side of the bus are higher than ever.
Read More →
Another School Bus Fatality Reported in Monsey, New York
A 7-year-old girl died after being struck by a school bus in Rockland County, New York while crossing the street. Here's what we know.
Read More →
NSTA Announces 2026 School Bus Driver International Safety Competition Winners
Drivers from across the U.S. and Canada showcased their safety and driving skills, with two defending champions successfully retaining their titles.
Read More →
The Driver Shortage Playbook
Driver shortages are still a major challenge for student transportation fleets, but the real issue has shifted. It’s no longer just about filling seats quickly. It’s about finding safe, reliable drivers who meet performance expectations and want to stay. The Driver Shortage Playbook covers why traditional recruitment tactics are falling short and how school fleets are adapting with smarter hiring, stronger retention strategies and a greater focus on driver quality.
Read More →
Pro-Vision Launches AI-Powered 360° Camera System
The new Birdseye camera delivers real-time AI-based pedestrian and vehicle detections, full visibility around the bus, and telematics integrations.
Read More →
N.Y. & N.J. Coalitions Call for Modernized Transportation for Vulnerable Students
New statewide coalitions in New York and New Jersey are urging lawmakers to expand student transportation options for vulnerable students amid ongoing driver shortages.
Read More →
America Has a School Bus Passing Problem — and Distraction Is Making It Worse
Illegal school bus passing remains a major safety threat as distracted driving rises. This op-ed explores why awareness, enforcement, and stop-arm cameras matter more than ever.
Read More →
School Bus Laws to Watch: New York Delays EV Mandate
Plus, federal lawmakers seek new funding for school bus safety as states weigh stop-arm enforcement, disability protections, and education spending.
Read More →
Operation STEER Brings Emergency Response Training to North Texas
Prosper ISD hosted the third annual training for transportation professionals across 67 districts to learn how to respond to emergencies, such as rollovers and evacuations, and proper use of safety equipment.
Read More →
