 It was an evening to recognize and honor those who were first on the scene after a Bemidji school bus crash. Tonight our Josh Peterson shows us how the Bemidji school district and area emergency personnel are honoring these community heroes. It was the first opportunity for many to say thank you during a community heroes celebration to recognize the local heroes who helped at the scene of a tragic Bemidji school bus crash. It's been two weeks since the Bemidji school bus was struck by another vehicle and rolled into a ditch. It was then that witnesses to the crash and local residents who lived near the scene dropped what they were doing and rushed to help the bus load of students. I over told my oldest son to call 911 and I knew the bus had kids on it so I jumped to Houghton and ran for the bus. By day one of the local heroes works as a nurse and while driving that morning she saw the overturned bus. That is when her instinct to help kicked in and put her skills to work. I just made sure that if I saw anybody that looked like they had serious injuries that I went up to them if they weren't being helped already and most of the real serious ones were so I just started triaging. Overall 15 heroes were honored for their heroic efforts and bravery throughout the situation. A strong echo of applause came from the room as heroes were named. Recognizing these individuals was something that emergency personnel in the Bemidji school district wanted to see happen. We want to acknowledge their help and assistance in taking care of the kids until help could get there. It's all about saying thank you for being a good Samaritan. Thank you for helping out others and actually putting service above self. The driver of the school bus was also recognized and briefly addressed the audience and said how grateful he was for all who helped. He also added that he was impressed with how well the kids handled the situation. Kids did really good. They did awesome. My kids on the bus they all listened and got them off the bus. Some of the kids who were on the bus attended the celebration and wanted to personally thank those who helped at the scene of the crash. I'm very thankful for all the people who helped me and get out of the bus. So I'm very thankful. Those who were honored remain extremely humble. It's just something I wouldn't change it. I'd do it again for anything, anytime, anybody. In Bemidji, Josh Peterson, Lakeland News. Each honoree receives certificates from the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office and the Bemidji Fire Department. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.