MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop I Headquarters-P.O. Box128, Rolla, MO 65402

NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Mike Mitchell
(573) 368-2345 x3953
I08A2021
August 30, 2021

EMPHASIS: St. James Students Recognized For Response During School Bus Crash



Captain Eddie A. Blaylock, commanding officer of Troop I, presented a Proclamation signed by Governor Mike Parson and an Honorary Trooper certificate from Colonel Eric Olson to two St. James, MO, students Friday, August 27. The presentation occurred prior to the St. James home opener football game.

The Proclamation and Honorary Trooper certificate recognized these students’ quick actions, which brought a dangerous situation to a safe conclusion. Tandon Baker and Emilee Williams were both occupants of a school bus involved in a noninjury crash on August 25, 2021. The driver suffered a medical emergency and became unresponsive. Tandon acted quickly and was able to bring the bus to a controlled stop as it traveled through a fence and entered a field. Because of Tandon's immediate response, no one on the bus was injured. Emilee immediately called emergency services requesting medical assistance for the driver. Communications personnel who answered Emilee’s call were impressed with her ability to remain calm while reporting the incident. Emilee then helped keep the other students on the bus calm until emergency personnel arrived.

Too many people die in traffic crashes each year in Missouri. The choices you make when you’re behind the wheel matter. Make good choices, so you’ll never have to say, “If I could just go back ...”

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