First Student chosen for National Safety Council award
The operator receives the 2013 Occupational Safety Excellence Achievement Award. The award is presented to companies that have reported injuries and illnesses that involved days away from work equal to or less than half of the Bureau of Labor Statistics rating, and had zero staff fatalities during the 2012 calendar year.

First Student was recognized by the National Safety Council with its 2013 Occupational Safety Excellence Achievement Award. From left: Michael Pollock, vice president corporate and community partnerships, National Safety Council; Linda Burtwistle, president, First Student; and Gary Catapano, senior vice president of safety, First Student.
CINCINNATI — First Student was recently recognized by the National Safety Council with the 2013 Occupational Safety Excellence Achievement Award.
The award is presented to companies that have reported injuries and illnesses that involved days away from work equal to or less than half of the Bureau of Labor Statistics rating, and had zero staff fatalities during the 2012 calendar year.
“We are pleased to accept this tremendous honor from the National Safety Council,” said Gary Catapano, senior vice president of safety. “At First Student, our commitment to safety remains our No. 1 priority, and this award reflects the dedication of our entire management team and employees to operating safely, every route, every day."
First Student operates more than 54,000 vehicles in nearly 600 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
Other news related to First Student:
More Management

From Intent to Impact: What I Learned About Leadership from TAPT
A Texas transportation supervisor shares lessons on self-awareness, accountability, managing stress and building trust — and why investing in leadership development matters at every stage of your career.
Read More →
NAPT Names 2026 Award Recipients
Who earned national recognition for their work in student transportation? This year, NAPT named five recipients of its 2026 awards for service, safety, and leadership.
Read More →
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Driver shortages. Rising costs. Growing safety expectations. More data, but not enough time to act on it. The 2026 State of Student Transportation Report reveals what transportation leaders say is putting the most pressure on their operations—and where they’re investing next. See how your priorities compare.
Read More →
How to De-Escalate an Angry Person: 5 Steps for Handling Workplace Conflict
What makes emotions run high, and how should you handle an angry colleague or parent? Follow these steps for staying calm, listening, showing empathy, and resolving conflict.
Read More →
What Readiness Looks Like This School Year
Learn about the challenges shaping the 2026–2027 school year, from persistent driver shortages and budget pressure to technology and readiness gaps. See how school districts are responding and adapting in Zonar’s 2026 Back-to-School Readiness Report.
Read More →
Changing Lanes: Executive Moves at Summit School Services, Zum, STA, Cummins, Transit Technologies, Driventic, & Cadex
See who's been hired, promoted, and appointed to leadership positions at various school transportation industry suppliers and private contractors.
Read More →
Texas Sixth Grader Wins 2026 National School Bus Safety Poster Contest
Sai Darshana Yekolu of Moseley Middle School in Prosper, Texas, was named the newest winner for her artwork, bringing the theme of “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes” to life.
Read More →
Industry Moves: Companies Expand Fleet Service & EV Infrastructure Footprints
The new facilities and regional hubs could mean faster access to shop equipment, charging support, and transportation technology for fleet operators.
Read More →
Doing More With Less: How Transportation Directors Can Prioritize Safety Amid Budget Uncertainty
With diesel prices soaring and nearly one-third of transportation directors expecting budget cuts, maintaining student safety has never been more challenging. Download this guide to learn how leading districts are prioritizing risk, funding critical safety technology, and building stronger budget cases with data.
Read More →
Walton County Schools Adds Gatekeeper Stop-Arm Enforcement System
The Florida district will deploy Gatekeeper’s updated Student Protector technology, which now incorporates AI to improve video evidence.
Read More →


