SAN JOAQUIN (KMJ) — A Golden Plains School District bus driver, who saved a young boy from being attacked by two dogs while he was at work, has been given the 2015 ‘Northern California School Bus Driver of the Year’ award.
The CHP presented it to him inside San Joaquin Elementary school with a crowd of students, parents, teachers, and CHP Officers all there to congratulate Ruben Mendoza.
“It’s an honor, it was recognition, and I appreciate it very much”, announced Ruben to the applauding crowd.
Recalling the day itself, October 8th 2015, Ruben says he was completely focused on rescuing the young boy when he realized what was going on.
“You know, you get nervous, but first thing on my mind was get the dog off this little boy…help him out”.
He saw Ricardo Carrillo being attacked by the two dogs as he was driving up to a stop in San Joaquin. After ensuring the children on the bus were secure first, he grabs his tire thumper and sets about rescuing the boy – using the tool to strike the dogs.
“Once I pulled up next to him, I noticed he was being attacked”, continued Ruben Mendoza. “I’ve never done it before, first time”.
The CHP say Ruben Mendoza’s quick actions prevented the boy from being mauled to death. They add that his outstanding bravery, knowledge, and dedication to the industry, was beyond the level of the average school bus driver.
The patrol credits him as a true hero, who exemplifies the highest qualities of a professional school bus driver.
“It was kind of scary…I thought it was kind of the end for me”, says Ricardo Carrillo, who thanked the bus driver for being there for him.
“He’s the best bus driver in the world”.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
