Oxford EMS Honored After Response To Southbury School Bus Crash

OXFORD, CT — Several Oxford EMS members were honored this week for their response during a serious school bus crash in Southbury earlier this year, according to a post from Oxford EMS.

The agency said members were recognized at a ceremony for their performance during the February crash, praising their quick assessment, decisive actions, and patient care. Oxford EMS said the team’s work made a critical difference that day and helped save lives.

Those recognized included Jasper Southam, Mac Riley, Eric Arifi and Greg Gromm, along with others involved in the response. In its post, Oxford EMS said the recognition reflected the kind of work the service aims to deliver every day through preparation, teamwork and a commitment to high-level care.

The recognition stems from a Feb. 11 crash in Southbury involving a Region 14 school bus carrying students. Southbury police said the crash happened around 2:38 p.m. on Southford Road near Jeremy Swamp Road when a vehicle driven by a 65-year-old Southbury man struck the bus, forcing it into a third vehicle.

According to school officials, the bus was carrying Nonnewaug High School students from Prospect and Beacon Falls. The driver of the other vehicle was charged with driving under the influence and failure to obey a traffic control signal, police said.

Oxford EMS, in its recognition post, said the honored members showed professionalism, compassion and an unwavering commitment to service during one of the community’s most difficult moments.