The Fresno City Council will issue a proclamation declaring Thursday “Roosevelt Strong Day” and honoring two teachers who provided aid to victims of a Sept. 6 bus stop crash that injured 11.
The proclamation was announced by the Fresno Teachers Association on Wednesday afternoon.
Two Roosevelt staffers, English teacher Dr. Steven Spencer and EMT/Public Safety teacher David Munoz, will be honored in a 9 a.m. ceremony at City Hall, FTA said in a news release.
“It’s great to honor incredible educators at Roosevelt High School who aren’t just teachers, but real-life heroes,” said FTA President Manuel Bonilla said in the news release. “In moments of crisis, folks like Dr. Steven Spencer and David Munoz show us that education goes way beyond textbooks.
“‘Roosevelt Strong Day’ is a celebration of their dedication. These teachers shape not only young minds but also the character of our city. Their unwavering commitment to the well-being of our students extends beyond the classroom, as demonstrated on that fateful day. I applaud their courage and commitment, and let’s remember that the spirit of a teacher can move mountains.”
Bonilla did not immediately respond to a request for more details on how Spencer and Munoz assisted at the accident scene. Neither Spencer nor Munoz could be reached Wednesday afternoon for comment.
Helping the Injured
Fresno Police Lt. Bill Dooley said that the police report of the crash noted that Spencer was in his vehicle, saw the crash, and jumped out of his car to pull an injured girl out of a vehicle. In addition to the bus stop, the pickup struck several vehicles, he said.
Munoz’s role was not disclosed in the police report, Dooley said.
The after-school incident occurred at the FAX bus stop on the southwest corner of Tulare Street and Cedar Avenue when a 16-year-old boy, also a Roosevelt student, allegedly drove a pickup off the street and onto the sidewalk. The student ran off but was later apprehended and was arrested for a felony hit and run, driving under the influence, and driving without a license, police said. His mother, who picked up the fleeing teen and his sister, was charged with felony aiding and abetting, police said
The 11 students were taken to three area hospitals for treatment. The most serious injury was a fractured leg, police reported.
