Story Archive

Stop When Flashing

When school bus driver George Daw was called to his supervisor’s office after Daw rescued three people from a storm in New Hyde Park, on New York’s Long Island, he thought he might be getting a commendation. Instead, he was fired. “Employee endangered welfare of student he was transporting when he picked up three unauthorized passengers,” the termination notice said. The three men he picked up were stranded, their car destroyed by flooding. Daw, who was driving an SUV-style vehicle, had only one child aboard. Maybe the men were “undesirables”? Probably not in most people’s opinion: they were police officers. After a public outcry over his firing — and a hearing after he filed a union grievance — Daw was re-hired. “I think it’s a victory for America,” he said after being reinstated. “I don’t think anyone should have to second-guess helping first responders.” (RC/WCBS New York) ...And the first responders of America appreciate the precedent being set.