Hold The Bus: Hero Driver Honored For Saving Miami Family

MIAMI, FL -- A Miami-Dade bus driver who stopped his bus and jumped into a canal to rescue a couple and their toddler was honored Tuesday by Miami-Dade County Commissioners.

“Elijah is proof that there are indeed angels amongst us," declared Commissioner Esteban Bovo in presenting the commendation to bus driver Elijah Saleem along with Commissioner Barbara Jordan. "Not many people would risk their own lives to save others far removed from themselves.”

Saleem spotted the family's car as it plunged into a canal off NW 155th Street and 27th Avenue on Feb. 18.

He then stopped and secured his bus before jumping into the water to rescue the man, the man's girlfriend and their 1-year-old son.

“To think that this young man, without hesitation, jumped in a canal to save a family who was desperate for survival shows humanity at its best," Bovo added. "Our county is incredibly proud to honor one of our own. We thank Elijah for answering a call greater than himself, as his name will be synonymous with hero in the halls of Miami-Dade Transit.”