Many school bus drivers across the country choose to spend their retirement driving students in the school bus. Earl Rineer, 89, started doing the same in Pennsylvania more than three decades ago. In honor Blue Bird recently honored his service by inviting him to see eight new CNG school buses being produced at the company’s Fort Valley, Ga., plant.
“Thirty-five years ago, I was in a pinch and quickly needed a school bus driver—luckily my father stepped in. He has been transporting the children of Pennsylvania ever since,” said Earl’s son Jerry, the transportation supervisor for Lower Merion School District outside of Phildelphia.
Earl currently drives for Sague School Bus Service, a family business for more than 75 years.
Jerry added that that transportation in his dad’s blood, as he was a volunteer fire truck driver for 15 years and “has an abundant past” in driving for local ministries and organizations.
“Blue Bird is honored to recognize Earl Rineer for his commitment to public service and for his dedication to safely transporting the children of Pennsylvania,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird. “It is not too often that you have the wonderful opportunity to recognize someone with such an extensive past solely dedicated to the safe transportation of school children and the wider community.”
But don’t think that the recognition means that Earl is looking to retire anytime soon.
“I don’t know the word retirement. As long as I pass the medical requirements, I’ll continue training drivers and transporting school children,” he added. “Each day, I look forward to serving children and people from every walk of life. As a school bus driver and trainer, I am able to touch people’s lives on an individual level.”
Earl said his fondest memories of being a school bus driver is when he becomes re-acquainted with former students who remember him.
“That brings me the greatest happiness.”
