Ethan Allen Transportation school bus driver Kevin Ross has been recognized by Ulster County for his exceptional service and safety records. Ross, a driver with Ethan Allen Transportation for 13 years, was named runner up for Ulster County School Bus Driver of the Year, an annual award issued in conjunction with the Ulster County Traffic Safety Board and Operation Safe Stop. Ethan Allen Transportation provides transportation for the Kingston City School District.
“School bus drivers are entrusted with the wellbeing of their passengers and perform their jobs with unbelievable dedication,” observed Ethan Allen Transportation President John Corr. “Year in and year out, Kevin exhibits a steadfast commitment to safety and his profession. He is always kind and respectful with all of the students on his bus and is greatly admired by his colleagues. It is gratifying to see him recognized by Ulster County and I know everyone at Ethan Allen Transportation joins me in congratulating Kevin on this important honor.”
Ross received glowing letters of recommendation and support from fellow staff at the Harry L. Edson Elementary School and the J. Watson Bailey Middle School, including from Principal Debra Fitzgerald. He was nominated by Denise Wiley of Ethan Allen Transportation. At a ceremony held at the Ulster County Law Enforcement Center Rotunda, Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan congratulated Ross along with Lisa Haynes of the New Paltz Central School District, who was named Ulster County School Bus Driver of the Year.
“Congratulations to Lisa Haynes and Kevin Ross,” stated County Executive Ryan. “They represent the approximately 700 school bus drivers throughout Ulster County who have one of the most important jobs — to care for our children and ensure that their school bus ride is safe. I truly appreciate their dedication, care, and commitment.”
Operation Safe Stop is a cooperative project in New York State that seeks to promote school bus safety through education and enforcement efforts. During Operation Safe Stop, police officers in marked and unmarked patrol units monitor select bus routes that have a history of illegal passing complaints, and issue tickets to drivers who illegally pass school buses when the lights are flashing (which indicates the bus is picking up or discharging students).
Ethan Allen Transportation is a member of The Trans Group, LLC (Spring Valley, NY), which provides transportation to hundreds of thousands of passengers annually in lower New York State and Long Island. With more than 1,300 vehicles and over 2000 employees, The Trans Group is actively involved in the school bus industry on the state and federal level. More information is available at www.thetransgroup.com.