ATU Heroes Go Beyond the Call of Duty
Through the ATU’s history, our members have been more than transit workers. They are the eyes and ears of the communities they serve. From helping lost children to assisting riders in medical emergencies to other acts of bravery, our members go above and beyond the call of duty. They are heroes, and here are a few of their stories.
Local 662-Pueblo, CO, Brother Extinguishes Fire
Our Local 662-Pueblo, CO, Brother Paul Trujillo was driving his run when he noticed a fence on fire between two houses. Brother Trujillo called in to dispatch for help and ran to the house and banged on the door, but did not get a response. He proceeded to find a garden hose and put the fire out, preventing a catastrophic event before help arrived. The elderly woman of the house, whose daughter lives next door, called the City and Pueblo Transit to show her appreciation for Brother Trujillo.
For his quick thinking and bravery, he was honored by Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham and the City Council with a Certificate of Recognition that read, “As a transit operator, you are vital for a healthy, sustainable, and equitable society; and your dedication to your profession improves our community every day. Your outstanding efforts on behalf of the City of Pueblo and your personal contributions at a time when our citizenry needed them most are hereby acknowledged, and you are commended for your outstanding performance.”
An ATU Hero at Local 1179-New York, NY
An MTA Bus Operator, Local 1179-New York, NY, Brother Robert Hernandez was driving in Queens recently, and he saw a child standing on the corner without a jacket, shoes, or socks. As a father himself, Brother Hernandez knew something wasn’t right and asked the 10-year-old if he needed help. He brought the child on the bus and called the command center and the NYPD for assistance. NYPD and EMS arrived on the scene and found out the child had run away from home. Brother Hernandez knew it was important to get the child back home safely. NYPD quickly reunited the boy with his family.
We applaud our members for their extraordinary bravery in the face of extreme circumstances. Thank you for everything you do to keep our communities moving and safe.
If you have a hero story about one of our members going above and beyond the call of duty, please send it to officeofthepresident@atu.org.