08/07/02
The Chicago Transit Board presented bus operator Melvin Jones with its 'spirit of Chicago? Award at its monthly meeting today.
Jones was recognized for helping rescue a man who was drowning in Lake Michigan near the Adler Planetarium on Saturday, August 3. Jones was on his #146 Marine/Michigan Express bus at the Planetarium when he was flagged down by a woman who asked him to call 9-1-1. The woman said that a man was in the lake and was in danger of drowning.
After calling 9-1-1, Jones and a passerby used an artist's easel as a hook and pulled the man to safety. When Chicago Fire Department paramedics arrived, the victim was reportedly breathing on his own and was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in good condition.
"Mr. Jones is a caring person who was willing to help someone in need," said Chicago Transit Board Chairman Valerie B. Jarrett. ?We are pleased to present him with the 'spirit of Chicago? Award."
?Melvin Jones demonstrated the qualities of character and public service that our bus operators exhibit on a daily basis," said CTA President Frank Kruesi. ?We are proud of his concern for his fellow citizens and his act of courage."
As the nation's second largest public transit agency, the CTA provides1.5 million rides a day and takes pride in delivering quality, affordable transit services that link people, jobs and communities.
###