The City of Marion Transportation Department frequently goes above and beyond the normal duties of getting passengers where they need to go. There have been great stories throughout the years, but one from earlier this year is a heart-warming case and shining moment during an emergency involving many elderly and disabled citizens…
Transportation Director Jeff Edwards reported, “On January 20th, 2020 (Martin Luther King Jr. holiday), I received a call from dispatch stating the Fire Department was asking if Transportation could help transport approximately 50 residents from Martin Boots Apartments to a nearby hotel. The residents were evacuating the building due to a malfunction with their water sprinklers which flooded half the building, and the entire building lost power. I contacted Marion Transit Drivers, Leslie Conaway and Holly Burns. Even though it was a holiday, Leslie and Holly did not hesitate to meet me at the bus garage and get two buses ready for transport of the residents. We arrived at Martin Boots in about 30 minutes from my phone call. The residents were still getting belongings out of their rooms when we arrived, so we helped them load up the buses. We then transported them to the Holiday Inn Express, helped them with their belongings when their rooms became available, and did not leave until everyone received a room key and was inside the hotel. Leslie and Holly did not think twice about giving up part of their holiday to help people in need, and I am extremely proud of the way they represented Marion Transportation.”
The Martin Boots Manager, Rita Perkins, expressed utmost appreciation for the assistance during their time of need. “The buses arrived in a short amount of time. They were so helpful with our residents of whom are all elderly and/or disabled. They helped them load and unload their belongings in addition to assisting individuals using wheelchairs and walkers. Then, when we had to wait for each person to check into each hotel room, they were so patient and understanding. Finally, a few days later when it was time for the majority of the residents to return home, I called Jeff Edwards, and he immediately had a bus brought to the hotel to do another special transport for us. He was very kind and accommodating. I was truly impressed with how smoothly everything went considering it could have been a disaster.”
During the State of the City Address on February 19th, 2020, Chief of Staff Mike Flynn shared the story and expressed gratitude for the Transportation Department’s exceptional efforts. “They go far beyond their scope of responsibilities, and much of it is attributed to the leadership of Jeff Edwards. They are truly public servants.”
Pictured (Left to Right): Leslie Conaway, Jeff Edwards, Holly Burns