LTHS Bus Driver Honored For Bravery, Intervening During Child's 'Concerning Interaction' With Unfamiliar Car

LOCKPORT, IL — At last month's LTHS Board of Education meeting, a long-time bus driver was honored for his 39 years of service, as well as his commitment to children's safety after he intervened in an incident involving a child and an unfamiliar vehicle.

Owen Flemming was honored for "his extraordinary bravery and commitment to all children's safety and well-being," Superintendent Robert McBridge shared at the Oct. 19 Board meeting.

McBride said that on Oct. 14, Flemming was driving his bus along Huntington Drive when he observed a "concerning interaction" between an 8-year-old girl and an unfamiliar vehicle."

Flemming immediately intervened to protect the child, remained at the scene until the child's mother arrived, and contacted the police to report the incident, McBride said.

"Although the child was not a Lockport Township High School student, Flemming exemplified the priniciple that protecting all children extends beyond assigned responsibilities and district boundaries," McBride said.

City of Lockport and police officials were also present at the Board meeting to honor Flemming.

Police thanked Flemming for being "another set of eyes" out in the community, and commended him for his service.