Kentucky Bus Driver Who Picked Up Hunter Reinstated
ULYSSES, Ky. (AP) - A school bus driver is back on the job after letting a hunter ride shotgun.
Kathy Laney was suspended indefinitely in September by the rural Lawrence County school district - and could have been fired - after she stopped along her route with 10 youngsters aboard and gave a lift to a squirrel hunter carrying a 20-gauge shotgun.
Parents were outraged over her suspension and swamped the central office with calls and petitions demanding she be allowed back.
Administrators let her return to her route after suspending her for 30 days and requiring her to go through additional training. She has been back on the job for two weeks.
"She's an excellent employee," said John Thompson, the school district's transportation director. "We didn't want to lose her."
Parents plastered her bus with signs and banners welcoming her back.
Administrators concluded Laney drove Ralph Music only a matter of yards to get him past some threatening dogs. Laney said she recognized Music and was certain he would not harm the youngsters, who included own children and the hunter's grandson.
"I know I made a mistake," Laney said. "I didn't realize he had a gun. I knew he was holding something. I thought it was a cane."
Thompson said Laney had an unblemished record in her six years as a bus driver.
"And parents love her," he said.