Home » Palm Bay Police Honors Brevard Public Schools Bus Driver Janet O’Connell With Life-Saving Award

Palm Bay Police Honors Brevard Public Schools Bus Driver Janet O’Connell With Life-Saving Award

By  //  September 5, 2022

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Evacuated 40 students to safety

Palm Bay Police Chief Mariano Augello, far left, presents Brevard Public Schools bus driver Janet O’Connell with the agency’s Life-Saving Award for her quick action when her bus caught fire in early May. When her bus caught fire, O’Connell pulled over on Emerson Drive NW, called 911, and was able to ensure all 40 students got off the bus and to safety. (PBPD image)

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Palm Bay police officials presented Brevard Public Schools bus driver Janet O’Connell with the agency’s Life-Saving Award for her quick action when her bus caught fire in early May.

Palm Bay Police Chief Mariano Augello said O’Connell received the recognition due to her quick actions and the steps she took to ensure the safety of the students.

When her bus caught fire, O’Connell pulled over on Emerson Drive NW, called 911, and was able to ensure all 40 students got off the bus and to safety.

Palm Bay Fire Rescue Station 3 crews then arrived and extinguished the bus fire, which was fully engulfed in flames.

“We presented her with the award at Imagine Schools at West Melbourne in front of the entire school,” said a Palm Bay police spokesperson.

“It was great to see the student’s excitement as they joined us in recognizing Miss O’Connell as being a true hero!”

Palm Bay police officials presented Brevard Public Schools bus driver Janet O’Connell with the agency’s Life-Saving Award for her quick action when her bus caught fire in early May. Palm Bay Fire Rescue Station 3 crews extinguished the school bus fire, which was fully engulfed in flames. (PBFR image)
Palm Bay police officials presented Brevard Public Schools bus driver Janet O’Connell with the agency’s Life-Saving Award for her quick action when her bus caught fire in early May. Palm Bay Fire Rescue Station 3 crews extinguished the school bus fire, which was fully engulfed in flames. (PBFR image)
Palm Bay police officials presented Brevard Public Schools bus driver Janet O’Connell with the agency’s Life-Saving Award for her quick action when her bus caught fire in early May. Palm Bay Fire Rescue Station 3 crews extinguished the school bus fire, which was fully engulfed in flames. (PBFR image)
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