TRAX bus driver, Earnest Briggs was presented with a Special Recognition Award for saving passenger, Brenda McCoy’s life at the May 26 Arklatex Council of Governments Board of Director’s Meeting by Board President, Judge L.D. Williamson. Mrs. McCoy was present to express her gratitude stating, “I wouldn’t be standing here today if it wasn’t for this man.”
On March 2, 2016 when Mr. Briggs arrived at Mrs. McCoy’s rural Bowie County home he recognized that something wasn’t right. Mrs. McCoy told him that she couldn’t go and canceled the trip. He didn’t leave it at that and took action. After calling the TRAX office to report the situation, he called 911. Mrs. McCoy, however, would not allow them to enter the home, stating at the meeting, “I was out of my mind at the time and thought they were the enemy.” Measures were taken to contact Mrs. McCoy’s daughters who arrived at her home in time to gain access for the paramedics. Arriving at the hospital she recorded a record high blood sugar level of over 1,100. Mrs. McCoy did not know she was diabetic.
After spending 7 days in ICU and another 20 in a rehab facility, Mrs. McCoy is back home. Her daughters wrote in a statement to the ATCOG Board,”My sister and I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Mr. Earnest Briggs and TRAX for going above and beyond the job for our mother. The fast thinking of Earnest saved our mother’s life. Instead of just a business relationship with their passengers they seem to develop a personal kinship. This personal kinship lead to Earnest recognizing that our mother needed medical assistance. This kinship is what saved our mothers life. We will forever be grateful to him for his compassion and diligence to his job.”
ABOUT TRAX Transportation
TRAX Transportation, operating as part of Ark-Tex Council of Governments, provides over 100,000 trips annually throughout 9 Counties in Northeast Texas. As a Rural Public Transit District, funded by the FTA and TxDOT, service is available to any resident in the service area in need of transportation.
