BONNER SPRINGS, Kan. — Durham School Services recently partnered with the Bonner Springs Fire and EMS Departments for a safety training and school bus evacuation drill.

More than 30 local firefighters and paramedics participated in Durham’s training program on bus evacuation to better enable them to assist in an emergency on a school bus. The first responders tested their training hands-on as they explored two styles of buses and could see how each emergency exit worked, including the different door options and roof hatches.

Officials said the experience proved valuable for the first responders, especially those who had never been on a school bus.

Officials said Kevin Rhine, regional manager for Durham School Services, was pleased his team had an opportunity to share its extensive knowledge about school buses and school bus safety with the first responders.

“We are grateful to the Bonner Springs Fire and EMS Department for joining us in this effort to help first responders become more familiar with the emergency equipment found on school buses,” Rhine said. “Our top priority is the safety of the students we transport. We appreciate the chance to help train others on the equipment in the event [that] it helps a student one day.”

Bonner Springs Fire Chief Dennis Hubbel and EMS Chief John Claxton, head of the first responders, commended the bus company for the training and thanked the Durham team for sharing its knowledge and experience.  

“This hands-on training has educated our team immensely,” Hubbel said. “We are now more familiar with the door options and roof hatches, allowing us quicker access should an emergency involving a school bus occur.”

Durham provides student transportation for special-education routes for Kansas’ Wyandotte County Comprehensive Special Education Cooperative.