Student transportation provider Durham School Services donated a school bus to the Ridge Fire Department in New York for safety drills and training. The fire department recently conducted a Res-Q-Jack drill to train new team members and refamiliarize current team members with the critical tool used in vehicular accidents.  

During the training, the team simulated a victim being trapped under the school bus and utilized the jacks to lift and stabilize the bus to rescue the victim (please refer to accompanying image). The fire department plans on conducting several other important safety drills this summer, which will involve simulating various emergency scenarios and performing extrication drills with their Emergency Medical Services team that will involve dismantling and sawing into the bus.

The donation to the Ridge Fire Department was made as part of Durham School Services’ company-wide Partners Beyond the Bus community outreach program. These bus donations also help to repurpose retired, non-electric vehicles from DSS’ fleets, which further contributes to DSS’ transition to alternative fuel-powered and zero-emission buses. Durham School Services plans on transitioning to an all zero-emission fleet by 2035.

“It is important to our team and company that we are an active partner in the community we serve because it is ingrained in our company values,” said Brookhaven General Manager Sean Martin. “Our drivers are some of the most trained motorists on the road, so we know the importance of regular trainings and drills. And when it comes to safety, it goes without saying that we will try our best to be involved and contribute whenever possible. We are glad to have had the opportunity to donate this school bus to the Ridge Fire Department so that they can conduct safety training and continue to keep our students and community safe.”

“We welcome these bus donations whenever possible because they give both our new and seasoned team members an additional opportunity to build upon their current skills and gain new experience,” said Ridge Fire Department Chief Wesley Phillips. “We are lucky to have Durham as a community partner who is unequivocally dedicated to the safety of their community members like we are.”