Upstate school bus driver, monitor save children from house fire

Feb 20, 2025

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – One bus stop turned into an act of heroism for a school bus driver and bus monitor in Spartanburg County.

According to Spartanburg County School District Six, it was a normal day of work for driver Crystal Foster and monitor Joclyn Johnson.

Foster and Johnson were working Feb. 11 when they dropped off a student at his home – but something was not right.

The pair noticed smoke coming from the home. Foster and Johnson, district officials said, told the student to get back on the bus and called 911.

Officials added that Foster and Johnson noticed the student’s older sister was standing in the garage “frightened and paralyzed with fear.”

Joclyn approached the girl and convinced her to get on the bus and away from the fire.

While talking with Crystal and Joclyn, they learned from the student and his sister that another younger sibling was still inside the home.

Joclyn then went back toward the house, calling the young boy to her. The child was able to get out of the home to safety.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire before in completely damaged the house.

“We are grateful for our transportation family every day, but this moment will be remembered as a true heroic route in history,” the district said. “Thank you to two incredible heroes who went above and beyond, driving home our district’s motto…’Where Children are Always First!'”

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