Community Champion: City bus driver in Maine is being named a hero for saving lost toddler
The toddler was seen in a diaper attempting to walk out into traffic
PORTLAND, Maine — A Greater Portland Metro bus driver, Ryan James, is being called a hero for helping a child who was lost on a busy road last summer.
James has been a Greater Portland Metro bus driver for 7 years.
On his regular city bus route, James says he saw the little girl in the area of St. John Street, attempting to walk out into traffic. The toddler was not fully clothed, only wearing a diaper. James says, “Instincts told me she’s not supposed to be out like this.” James, a father of two, says his parental instincts kicked in. His bus was stationary at the time, and he let the child on.
James says the passengers on his bus stepped up that day. He says a woman voluntarily sat next to the lost little girl. James says, “She certainly had a nurturing quality to her and kept the kid calm. I don’t know her name, but if she sees this, I do appreciate her for what she did.”
After the child got on the bus, James says he phoned in to dispatch and met with Portland police, who handled the situation from there.
A spokesperson for Portland Police released a statement saying, “The child was reunited with her family. She had wandered out an unlocked door, and it was considered an accidental incident. No charges were filed.”
The Executive Director for the Greater Portland Metro released a statement saying, “Metro is so grateful that this situation turned out favorably. Ryan responded in the moment not as a bus operator but as any good parent would. We’re very fortunate to have him as part of the Metro team.”