Turner Award goes to Brandalise

The quarterly George Turner Award was given recently to a Metro Operator Jason Brandalise of Ryerson Base, for going the extra mile to help a bus passenger who is blind.

The award is given by the Northwest Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans Association to recognize and show appreciation for transit operators who best exemplify a positive attitude and awareness of the needs of the elderly and disabled in our communities.

Brandalise won the award for the second quarter of 2008. The commendation prompting the award described his actions as "beautiful to witness" when he assisted a sightless passenger in boarding the coach. Then when the man reached his stop and deboarded, Brandalise left the bus to further assist him. Another passenger, who made the commendation, said she was "proud to live in a city where the bus drivers serve so well."