Freddie Phillips in Louisiana is the 2nd annual AMF-Bruns National Special-Needs School Bus Driver of the Year.
Phillips, who has been driving special needs buses for East Baton Rouge Parish Schools in Louisiana, for more than 16 years, goes above and beyond his responsibilities as a driver, said AMF-Bruns on Thursday.
Phillips trains bus operators in lift-gate procedures, child restraint systems, and car seat installation. He also participates in the East Baton Rouge Parish Schools Extended School Services program and helps students with learning challenges.
In 2016, Hurricane Mathew flooded Baton Rouge, which was reported as the most powerful storm of the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Phillips helped with the evacuation efforts during the storm.
When floodwater reached two feet high, Phillips drove stranded people from nursing homes, houses and community centers to shelters.
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Phillips was recognized with a ceremony at his district and was rewarded with a plaque and a check for $1,000.
“I am beyond proud of this award and I’m even more excited that my supervisors thought enough of my work to nominate me,” Phillips told WAFB9, his local news station.
The news station also reported that Phillips said he is planning to use some of the money to purchase backpacks filled with supplies for students in need.
Nominations for the third annual award are now open until Aug. 1, 2020, AMF-Bruns announced.
