Heroes Among Us: School District Honors Staff After Bus Fire Incident
Dickson, TN — The Dickson County School Board paused its December 18th, 2025 meeting to recognize two employees whose quick thinking helped keep 38 students safe during a bus incident earlier this year.
While full details of the incident have not yet been publicly released, district officials confirmed that 38 students were aboard a school bus when an emergency situation involving a fire on a school bus unfolded. The response by staff prevented the situation from becoming far worse.
No injuries were reported during the board presentation, and officials emphasized that students were safely assisted off the bus and cared for until the situation was resolved.
The board formally recognized two staff members for their actions during the incident. During the recognition, district leaders praised both individuals for stepping into action without hesitation.
One speaker described it simply: “You just jumped right in.”
Perhaps the most significant part of the recognition came when a state-level official involved in school transportation and emergency management addressed the board and audience.
The official explained that Dickson County’s bus drivers receive “gold-level” training, the highest standard used in statewide transportation safety programs. That same training model, the official noted, is now being shared with more than 13,000 drivers across Tennessee.
In moments of crisis, the official explained, fine motor skills diminish and panic can take over—but training takes over instead.
“You relied on your instincts,” the official said, “and those instincts came from training.”
As a result the bus driver was presented with:
A certificate of appreciation, and
A Colonel’s coin, a challenge coin rarely awarded and typically reserved for exceptional service.
As applause filled the room and photos were taken, the recognition served as a reminder that heroism in public education often happens quietly, in moments the public never sees.
On this night, however, the community was invited to see it.
And to say thank you.