LEELANAU TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The transportation supervisor for a Michigan school district came to the aid of a couple whose home was destroyed last month after a fire started in the garage.

Richard Deering, the transportation supervisor for Northport School District, was driving by when he noticed smoke and stopped to help Amy Kohler and her husband, Tom, who had undergone knee replacement surgery three days earlier, according to Leelanau Enterprise.

Phillip Haldaman, transportation supervisor for Dean Transportation Inc. and Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation Region 5 representative, told SBF that once Deering discovered that the husband was nearly incapacitated due to his operation, he carried him to his truck, away from the burning home.

Deering, whose district is in the region that Haldaman represents, also tried to save the couple’s vehicle from the garage, but was turned back by the flames and heat.

“Richard epitomizes a selfless attitude displayed in so many school transportation professionals,” Haldaman said. “He is a humble, unassuming man, but a giant of a gentleman who would do anything to help anyone in need. He is truly a great credit to the Northport School District and to the noble profession he continues to serve.”   

Leelanau Township Fire Chief Hugh Cook told Leelanau Enterprise that the cause of the fire remains under investigation.