Heroes can be found in unexpected places, and for the students at Carter Middle School, their hero was 13-year-old Dillon Reeves, who saved their lives.
Dillon was among 60 children on a school bus when the driver suddenly became lightheaded and passed out.
Acting bravely and swiftly, the 13-year-old boy was able to bring the bus to a stop, preventing what could have been a tragic accident.
How Dillon Reeves Saved 60 Lives
On a typical afternoon, Steve Reeves, Dillon’s father, was preparing dinner and waiting for his son to come home from school.
As Steve and his wife, Ireta, waited for Dillon to return, they noticed the children being dropped off and running to the park, sensing that something was amiss.
Ireta walked up to the park and saw the intersection where the incident had occurred. However, before she could even call Steve to inquire about Dillon’s whereabouts, the police began calling and informing them about their son’s heroic act.
When the bus driver began to feel lightheaded, she announced through the intercom that she would need to pull over. However, she lost consciousness before she could reach a safe stopping point.
Recognizing that the bus was heading toward oncoming traffic, Dillon sprang into action. He dropped his bag, ran from his seat in the fifth row to the front of the bus, stepped on the brakes, and attempted to shift the gear into park. He even called out to someone to dial 911 for the bus driver.
Thankfully, the Warren Police and Fire Departments arrived promptly, and the children were transferred to another bus.
However, Dillon’s quick thinking and bravery in bringing the bus to a stop ensured that all the children on board made it out safely. Reports suggest that the bus could have collided with multiple cars and even a house, had it not been for Dillon’s heroic actions. A Facebook commenter praised him as a “local hero.”
According to Warren Consolidated Schools Superintendent Robert D. Livernois, Dillon displayed remarkable composure and exerted all his effort to apply the brakes, which he described as “an extraordinary act of courage and maturity.”
Social media users also lauded the teenager’s bravery and suggested that his quick thinking and reactions could serve him well in his future career pursuits. “This youngster is a great example of a humanitarian great job,” one user wrote.
Commenters not only commended Dillon’s bravery but also his parents for raising a courageous child and instilling important life skills. One commenter expressed, “Thank goodness! Teach your children important things in life! You never know !?”
Dillon’s story touched many, with one user even saying it made their year, and that Steve and Irete were fortunate to have raised a well-mannered young man.
Above all, people were grateful that Dillon’s quick thinking saved the lives of so many children. The potential outcome of the situation had he not taken action was unfathomable.
According to Dillon’s parents, he aspires to become a firefighter when he grows up, and many internet users believe that his bravery and quick thinking skills will serve him well in that career path.
Dillon was Celebrated by his Community
Dillon’s parents, as well as others, were curious about how the 13-year-old knew how to handle the situation with the bus. However, his father explained that he often drives around with Dillon, who pays close attention and takes note of how to handle certain situations.
According to Dillon’s father, he has always been attentive, not just when he’s with him but also on the school bus. When asked how he was able to take control, Dillon responded by saying, “I watched her do it every day,” proving his observant nature. His quick thinking and attentiveness made him a hero to many. A news conference was held to honor his bravery.
During the news conference, Dillon’s parents expressed their admiration and pride for their son. They were overwhelmed by the whole experience.
During the news conference, Dillon’s parents were overwhelmed with pride and emotion. His mother, holding back tears, expressed how her heart skipped a beat when she watched the video of her son’s heroic act. “To do something like this fills my heart, makes my heart skip a beat, to even watch that video again. I’m just … I can’t even express the proudness. I’m extremely proud of him,” she said.
Steve added that he couldn’t believe it was their son who did something so brave, but he felt honored to have a little hero. Despite the whirlwind of emotions, Steve and Ireta are grateful that all the children were safe and that their son was responsible for something so significant. “We give praise to God and just raising a good kid,” said the couple.
The bus driver is said to be receiving medical attention at the hospital, and counseling is being offered to the children to help them cope with the traumatic event.