NEW YORK — A school bus driver on Long Island was fired after district leaders said the driver was drinking behind the wheel while children were on board.
The bus driver had picked up students Wednesday from Smithtown High School West after dismissal when he was allegedly seen with alcohol. An open alcoholic beverage was seen in the driver’s cup holder.
“Once they became aware, the district immediately intervened and bus company personnel met with the bus and driver at Great Hollow Middle School prior to departure,” Superintendent Mark Secaur said in an email from the district.
The driver, not publicly identified, was immediately removed from the bus and replaced by another operator.
The bus company issued the following statement: “The safety of our students remains our number one priority and this is completely unacceptable. The driver has been fired and we are cooperating with authorities.”
The police were notified, but not in time to see the driver with the drink on the bus. No arrests have been made, but police officers said they are investigating.
“We will fully cooperate with the bus company and the police station as they conduct their investigation. I can confirm, regardless of the outcome of the investigation, that the driver will no longer be transporting any Smithtown students,” Secaur added.
2023-10-06 03:15:26
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