Police continue to investigate to find the shooter responsible for two stray bullets hitting a school bus.
HOLYOKE -- The driver of a school bus struck by two stray bullets stepped on the gas, freed its 10 children from harm and called police.
In other words, she deserves the praise she has been receiving from police and officials of the Holyoke Community Charter School for following crisis-management training, said Stephen R. Schmuck, regional manager of New England for Durham School Services.
"Our driver did an excellent job staying very calm. We just want to recognize the driver for being a professional driver, as all our drivers are," Schmuck said in a phone interview.
No one was injured in the daytime gunfire police believe was rooted in a street-gang dispute at Elm and Appleton streets. The investigation is continuing.
The driver is a veteran school bus driver, but doesn't want her name publicized and the company won't make her available for interviews, Schmuck said.
"We're very proud of her reaction and her ability to maintain calm," Schmuck said.
Police believe that there was only one shooter, that nine shots were fired and that the bus was hit by mistake about 4 p.m.
The rounds did not penetrate the bus and bullet shells were found on the street in front of 173 Elm St., a few doors down from Appleton Street in an area busy with crime.
The children on the bus were 6 to 13 years old.
Police appreciate the bus driver's composure, Lt. James Albert said.
"She remained calm and she then kept the kids calmer. From what I understand, she handled things on the bus very calmly. She showed some leadership skill and handled it very appropriately," Albert said.
Charter school Principal Sonia Corea-Pope said she was grateful for how the bus driver reacted and for Durham School Services' fast communication with the school.
"We're very appreciative," Corea-Pope said.
The praise is welcome, but the priority was that no one was hurt, Schmuck said.
"When we heard of the whole situation, we were glad to hear of everybody's safety. That's our focus," Schmuck said.
Durham School Services, of Warrenville, IL., has more than 18,000 employees that transport more than one million students daily in 32 states, according to its website.