L-R: Ola Smith, Mayor Lee Czerwonka, and Police Officer Steve Keller

Blue Ash, OH (4/9/2015) – Blue Ash City Council, along with the Fire and Police Departments, recognized a local bus driver at the April 9 Blue Ash City Council meeting for saving the life of a student.

On February 10, Sycamore Community Schools bus driver Ola Smith had stopped at the Red Roof Inn at 5900 Pfeiffer Road to drop off the last student on her route. All traffic had stopped for the red flashing signals and stop sign on the bus.

As the student stepped off the bus and onto the sidewalk, a pickup truck swerved out of traffic and onto the grass and sidewalk next to the bus, putting the student directly in the truck’s path. As soon as Ola spotted the pickup truck heading towards the student on the sidewalk, she immediately yelled for the student to move, and the student quickly ran away from the bus just in time to avoid being struck by the pickup truck. The pickup truck continued past the bus on the sidewalk where the student had been standing moments before. Ola’s attentiveness, quick thinking and actions prevented the student from suffering serious injury or even death.

The driver of the pickup was later cited for failing to stop for a school bus, city code 331.38.

Blue Ash Mayor Lee Czerwonka presented Ola with a certificate at the City’s council meeting on April 9, recognizing her for her “spirit of community, bravery, and helpfulness, which makes Blue Ash a great place to live, work, and play.”