ALBANY, N.Y. — On April 5, the New York Senate adopted a resolution declaring Oct. 24, 2008, School Bus Driver Appreciation Day.

The resolution was sponsored by Sen. William Larkin, who sponsored similar resolutions in the past two years, and co-sponsored by 21 other state senators.

Recognizing school bus drivers for the safe transportation of more than 2 million children to school each day in New York, the resolution will be transmitted to Gov. David Paterson.

The resolution also affirms the tremendous responsibility required to serve as a school bus driver. It notes that drivers ensure children are met by an adult at their bus stop or returned to school, and that drivers play a part in the fight against terrorism by reporting suspicious activity or people seen on their bus routes.

School bus driver Maureen Moore initially contacted Larkin about designating School Bus Driver Appreciation Day and has continued to work with his office in drafting the resolutions.

"The fact that so many other New York senators realized what an important job school bus drivers perform every day makes our day even more special," Moore said.

The appreciation day will be held during School Bus Safety Week.