Kindergarteners reunited with firefighters who aided them after a bus crash, before finally enjoying a postponed field trip to the Jacksonville Zoo.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Nearly five weeks after a school bus crash forced them to cancel a field trip, a group of kindergarteners from San Pablo Elementary School finally made it to the Jacksonville Zoo with a meaningful stop along the way.
Before heading to the zoo, the students visited Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department Station 37 to reunite with firefighters and paramedics who responded when their bus was rear-ended in April, leaving multiple students injured including four children that were taken to local hospitals for treatment following the crash.
The visit offered students a chance to see the station up close and reconnect with the first responders who helped them during that frightening morning. For the emergency crews, it was a rare opportunity to see the outcome of their work in a different light.
“We’re used to showing up on the hard days,” said Fire Chief Percy Golden II. “Being invited back for the happy one is a gift for our crews.”
San Pablo Elementary Principal Jennifer Brown said the day carried special meaning for the students.
“This was such a dream come true for our little kindergarteners,” Brown said. “Not only did they finally get to experience the joy and wonder of the zoo, but they got to reconnect with the same heroes who supported them through such a challenging day. We really appreciate JFRD for helping make today so special for our students.”
After the visit, the class continued on to the Jacksonville Zoo, completing the field trip that had been cut short weeks earlier.