DALE COUNTY, Ala. (WTVY) – On the anniversary of the death of a Dale County school bus driver, the school district is keeping his memory alive.
That driver was Charles Poland Jr.
Sometimes called “Chuck,” Poland was a beloved man whose heroism is why Dale County Schools Superintendent Ben Baker wants to make sure his story is never forgotten.
“It had such an impact on our community,” Baker recalled.
January 29, 2013 is a day forever etched in the heart of Poland’s family and the people of Dale County.
The 66-year-old was killed by Jimmy Lee Dykes in 2013 after Dykes boarded the school bus he was driving.
“I was the principal at Ariton School and I remember the day it happened. We closed schools, we were glued to the TV to see what would happen,“ Baker said.
Poland is remembered by Superintendent Baker for stepping between Dykes and his students who were on the bus.
“It is more than just his sacrifice for his students on that school bus, but he had a family and he had a life and that life was taken. He gave that life for his students,” Baker said.
Since that day, Poland and those students, including 6-year-old Ethan who survived a hostage standoff known as the ‘Boy in the Bunker’ incident, have been recognized in many ways.
“We don’t just recognize Mr. Poland on today. Any time that I am at a civic event or state event, I always bring up Mr. Poland,” Baker said.
As years go by, Baker wants to make sure his memory is not forgotten
“We had state department officials come and do observations at our schools. When I did the welcome, that is one of the things I talked about,” Baker said.
Baker points to Poland’s relationship and love for his students as something the community continues to admire.
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