Decommissioned School Bus Helps Train First Responders

A retired Solon school bus has found new life as a training tool for firefighters and transportation staff.

Following an engine fire evacuation drill earlier this month, the teams came together again Aug. 12 at Fire Station 1 for an exercise simulating an overturned vehicle. The session gave both groups the opportunity to practice stabilizing the bus and evacuating passengers to safety.

Fire Chief Shawn Toth expressed his gratitude to the district for its partnership. “For the district to provide this bus to us is invaluable,” Toth said. “It’s reassuring to know that the school board and Solon City Schools support us just as much as we support them.”

The training was led by Luke Ricketts, Northeast Ohio sales representative for Genesis Rescue Systems. Ricketts emphasized the importance of realistic practice. “They’ve done a good job with teamwork, problem-solving and thinking outside the box,” Ricketts said.

Lt. Shaun Parsons underscored the value of involving transportation staff. “The joint training helps both parties understand each other’s roles, and the drivers’ knowledge of the students ensures all children are accounted for in an emergency,” Parsons said.

For Solon bus drivers, the exercise was an opportunity to strengthen their readiness and reinforce a shared goal of student safety. “The Fire Department is always willing to answer our questions and seek our opinion,” said Patty McCoy-Craft, a Solon bus driver and on-board instructor. “The more we talk with each other, the more we learn.”

Transportation Supervisor Lisa Shirkey said these joint exercises are an important part of the district’s safety efforts. “Our drivers and mechanics take student safety seriously, and training like this helps them build confidence and be ready for even the most unlikely emergencies,” Shirkey said. “We are incredibly grateful for the partnership with the Solon Fire Department.”