Hidden Hero: GCPS bus driver springs into action to extinguish bus fire
![Hidden Hero recipient, Jose Rivera-Perez, receiving this plaque and check.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763649772/gcpsk12org/bi6lpzxmpmmpd01zis5n/HiddenHero-FS.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1763649772/gcpsk12org/bi6lpzxmpmmpd01zis5n/HiddenHero-FS.png","width":350}])
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It is never a surprise when members of Team GCPS go above and beyond the call of duty for our students. However, it isn’t every day that they get the chance to be a hero. Jose Rivera-Perez, a Special Education Bus Manager at Radloff Middle School, lived up to that title and became a hero in a matter of minutes through his bravery. Perez hopped into action when he found out, through his radio, that there was a fire aboard a neighboring bus. His quick thinking earned him the 2025 Rotary Club of Gwinnett County’s Hidden Hero Award.
Perez says his instinct kicked in when he heard the radio message.
“I was on the way to a Code Five, which is an accident,” Perez says. “And on the way, I ran into Zebiba. And I saw her bus on fire. So I just parked real quick and jumped into action.”
Perez helped Zebiba Juber, another Special Education Bus Manager, evacuate the students and managed to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher.
The GCPS Transportation Department trains bus drivers to respond quickly in emergencies. Perez says that training prepared him to succeed in that moment..
“[We are trained] very well,” Perez shares. “Every year we have good training, and we go through a lot of documentation.”
Perez was honored at Radloff Middle with a reception among his colleagues, Radloff families, and friends, and was presented with a plaque and a $750 check.
“The fact that he was able to get into action and help her the way that he did... was amazing,” says GCPS Bus Monitor Rashauna McGowan. “A lot of people can be afraid of fires, but Jose went in, struck it fast, and got the job done.”
Former GCPS Board of Education Member Louise Radloff was also in attendance and spoke about the invaluable contribution bus drivers, monitors, and managers make to the district. Guests also heard from Joe Sorenson, President of the Rotary Club of Gwinnett, and GCPS Transportation Support Manager Carla Hart, who says events like this make her proud to be part of Team GCPS.
“Both of our drivers acted just as they were trained, which is an amazing sight,” Hart shares.
Watch the Rotary Club of Gwinnett County’s Hidden Hero recognition.