My name is Tom Alexander and I drive school bus #89 for Reid & Reid, Inc. in Calvert County, MD. On the morning of November 17th there was a devastating fire at the Fishing Creek Apartments in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. The fire actually started sometime around 6:30 a.m. I was scheduled to pick up middle school students at that complex at 7:40 a.m.
When I arrived in the area, I noticed smoke and then observed a large fire at those Apartments. The road to get there was closed off, and many fire trucks and rescue vehicles were on the scene. I continued picking up other students which total about 35. The route out of town took us in full view of the fire, and what we saw affected us all. We were worried about the families, our riders, and friends in those apartments.
Later in the day we learned that everyone got out safely, mainly due to a person who knocked on apartment doors to warn them of the fire. Several people were treated for smoke inhalation. We also found out that more than 13 families were displaced from their homes and among them were bus riders Alyssa Tyer and Terrance & Alyiah Thompson. They lost everything including one pet.
In early December, the middle school students approached me about doing something nice for their friends for the holidays who were affected by the fire. The idea was to bring a little joy in their lives after this terrible event, and let them know how much we all cared about them. Hence, a fundraiser was launched and in quick fashion, donations started coming in.
Harper Cullins volunteered to be the spokesperson for bus #89, and the two of us accepted donations. Harper’s mother, Abby volunteered to do the accounting and keep track of everything. Donations came in from Bus #89 riders which included students from Northern HS, Windy Hill Middle School, Beach Elementary School, and Windy Hill Elementary School.
Other donations came in from parents, friends of bus #89, Carolyn Sandros the driver on bus #66, and others who found out about the fundraiser. Ms. Sheri’s Daycare, and Ms. Heather’s Learning Club Daycare, both of Chesapeake Beach helped a great deal with spreading the word. This fundraiser was a great success and raised a total of $2,645 which was split between the two families. Harper Cullins and students on bus #89 presented the two families with their gifts on December 16th. This was truly a wonderful day for everyone.
I am so proud of the students on bus #89. It was through their caring and thoughtfulness that made this a wonderful heart felt event. Thank you to all that donated and participated.
NOTE: This terrible fire brought to our attention the importance of having working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in our homes. We actually had a discussion about this on the bus, and talked about the need for every family to have a plan in case of fire. We also talked about the importance of having family fire drills on a regular basis. As the Scout Motto says “Be Prepared”.
