I received the 7-of-Hearts Award from my employer, Reliant Transportation Group, in recognition of "exceptional composure, quick thinking and dedication to safety during an unexpected emergency while transporting a bus full of employees".

I had been driving a Mayo Clinic Employee commuter route on a coach bus to work when a semitruck crossed over into my lane. I was able to avoid the full impact with the truck by making the decision to drive into the ditch rather than risk trying to stay on the road. I managed to keep my motor coach upright while traveling a total distance of 688 feet off road. There were no injuries just a number of enthusiastically grateful people. The bus didn't fare as well.