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Gov. Scott, FDLE Honor Tonia Allen As School Bus Operator Of The Year For Saving Wandering Child
September 11, 2012
A local school bus driver was named the School Bus Operator of the Year Monday by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Tonia Allen received the award from Gov. Rick Scott during the 2012 Florida Missing Children’s Day ceremony in Tallahassee for helping to protect a child who wandered away from a Walnut Hill home and onto a highway.
Allen found the child “on the yellow line” near the intersection of South Highway 99 and Morgan Road about 8:20 a.m. on September 13, 2011.
“She was there in the middle road with two dogs,” Allen said that morning. “I said to myself, ‘Oh my God, that’s a baby’.”
Allen alerted the school district’s bus dispatch and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. She kept the child on the bus until deputies arrived, and they determined that the toddler had wandered out of a residence in the 1500 block of South Highway 99 — which is where she was found.
Allen said she sounded the bus horn multiple times in an attempt to get the attention of the people inside the house with no response.
“Anything could have happened in that highway,” she said. “I was scared. I just have a heart for babies.”
The child was returned unharmed to her parents.
Allen continues to drive a daily route to Bratt Elementary, Ernest Ward Middle and Northview High schools.
Pictured top: Bus driver Tonia Allen found this little girl wandering alone in South Highway 99 near Walnut Hill in September 2011. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Comments
18 Responses to “Gov. Scott, FDLE Honor Tonia Allen As School Bus Operator Of The Year For Saving Wandering Child”
I have known Tonia Allen for many years. I taught her (now adult) children. She is a bus driver for the school I work at and she is definitely an asset to the children she drives. Driving a school bus is hard work, and very stressful. Mrs. Allen has a loving heart and really cares about children. I am proud to know her!
God’s richest blessings to Ms. Allen. This is a very busy,narrow road and a terrible accident could have happened. We are proud and lucky to have bus drivers like Ms. Allen.
Just Think People , When You Put Your Child On The Bus – They Are In Her “CARING HANDS” , Great Job ! (I think shes A HERO)
Driving a school bus takes patience and awareness. Having a loving heart for children will make a good driver into a great driver. Thanks you for a job well done. May God Bless you on your daily route. bill
Go Mrs.Allen !!!
Way to goTonia!!
I am lucky enough to know Tonia-she has been my best friend for many years. It’s nice to see that others recognize and appreciate her actions that day. She loves children and was certainly where God needed her to be!
Congratulations Tonia
I LOVEEEEE MRS. ALLEN
As a parent …. I thank you for the work you do to care for our children. And and extra thank you for protecting that baby . She was lucky you came along
Congratulations Tonia.!!!
I thank GOD for people like YOU!! That child could have been hit, snatched, or no telling what in thisday and time. GOD BLESS YOU!
Congratulations, Tonia.
Congratulations Mom! We Love You
You deserve this honor. Congratulations. Thank you for all you do each and every day to transport out children safely.
WAY TO GO TONYA!!!!!! You said you were going to Tallahassee but I didn’t catch for what. This bus driver has a heart of GOLD. We need more people like her in the world!!!
Congratulations Tonya! I love reading happy stories such as this one!
Great job!
Good for her. We need more people in the world that help others. Thank you for caring!