Substitute Bus Driver Recognized for Bravery and Driving Skills

Left to Right Board Vice Chairperson Penny Nicholson, student Board member, behind, Board member Dan Kuebler, Board Chairman Warner Sumpter, Troy Brittingham, Board member Margo-Green-Gale, behind, Board member Robert Wells, student Board member and Superintendent of Schools  Dr. John Gaddis.

Troy Brittingham honored at Recent Board of Education Meeting

Westover, Maryland- January 29, 2016 – Troy Brittingham is a substitute bus driver for Somerset County Public Schools. He distinguished himself on January 4, 2016. Transportation Supervisor Gregg Sutton wrote, “Bus driver, Troy S. Brittingham, Sr. is to be recognized for demonstrating superior defensive driving skills and outstanding bravery in avoiding a potential mass casualty event, saving the lives of 20 school children and several motorists. On the afternoon of January 4, 2016, at approximately 3:25PM, Mr. Brittingham was heading southbound on Maryland 413, south of Plantation Road and the Crisfield Clinic, when the trailer of an oncoming vehicle dislodged and went airborne, crashing into the front of his school bus. The impact tore off the front hood of the school bus and shattered the front windshield. Mr. Brittingham successfully maneuvered his bus to the shoulder, avoiding any oncoming traffic, checked to make sure all the students were okay, and called for assistance. The students were safely evacuated off the bus and taken to the Crisfield Clinic. Although the bus sustained extensive damage, no one was injured. Mr. Brittingham’s heroic efforts reflect great credit upon not only himself and the other professional school bus drivers, but Somerset County Public Schools as well, and he is to be commended.” Mr. Brittingham was recognized by the Board at its monthly meeting on January 19, 2016.