19 Jul 2015 Behind the wheel

Story and photos
by Callie Sterling   

Three Greenbrier bus drivers have each served as dedicated members of the Greenbrier School District for more than three decades each. Jim Sutterfield, Randall Reed and Joe Hartsfield cherish the people of Greenbrier above all else.

“The people are my favorite part of working for the school district,” Sutterfield said.

Seventy-seven-year-old Hartsfield has driven for Greenbrier for 42 years, Fifty-three-year-old Reed has driven for 35 years and 73-year-old Sutterfield has devoted 36 years to driving.

Hartsfield has not only played the role of bus driver but also devoted 27 years to teaching math and science.

“Greenbrier is a special school,” Hartsfield said. “I taught math and science from 1972 until 2000. I always say if someone wants a good education they’d get one at Greenbrier. It is a good school to work for.”

Sutterfield has a diverse work history and has truly devoted himself to serving the people of Greenbrier in all aspects.

“I have played so many roles in this district, teaching is the only thing I haven’t done for Greenbrier schools,” Sutterfield said. “I drove athletic busses for 19 years. Up until three years ago, I was the fire chief for 35 years. I am still a barber on the side and have been for 34 years.”

Reed serves as the head bus mechanic and the district route coordinator in addition to driving a bus for Greenbrier.

“The job really fits my lifestyle well,” Reed said. “Greenbrier is my home; I actually had Joe as a teacher back in the day.”

The three dedicated men understand the importance of driving students.

“As their driver, we are the first person they see in the morning before school and the last person at the end of the school day,” Reed said. “The impression that the driver puts on them means a lot.”

Reed, Sutterfield and Hartsfield collectively agree that the kids are the best part of driving for the district.

“The kids are my favorite thing about driving,” Hartsfield said. “We haul very special cargo.”

Greenbrier prides itself on having good safety records when it comes to its transportation methods.

“I think we are the safest district around,” Sutterfield said. “We rarely get into accidents while driving.”

The Greenbrier service and transportation department has consistently won safety awards.

“We have won the best fleet award and a transportation award for the state,” Reed said. “Every year, one school wins for each of the six regions in the state. We won last year, and we are very proud of our record. We have never had a bus with any faults during an inspection.”

Although these devoted members of the school district value and appreciate their job as drivers, there are some challenges.

“Weather can be a challenge for us as drivers,” Reed said. “It is such a great feeling to see that last bus pull back into the lot safely during severe weather. There are 34 routes and about 80 drivers; that is a lot of buses out on the road.”

Occasionally, student behavior on the bus can be a challenge.

“Sometimes the behavior of the kids can be problematic,” Sutterfield said. “Most of the time they are not a problem though.”

The drivers appreciate parents who support their efforts.

“It is great when you have supportive parents,” Hartsfield said. “When you can get the parents to back you, I love that.”

Special gestures from students over the years have not gone unnoticed by the steadfast men behind the wheel.

“It is the best feeling when the students will bring you gifts or homemade cards; it makes you feel good,” Reed said.

Reed, Hartsfield and Sutterfield plan to continue driving for as long as they are physically able. Collectively, they rarely miss a day of work.

“I have only missed two days of work in three years,” Sutterfield said.

Being on time and prepared to drive daily is important to the drivers.

“I haven’t missed a day of work in five years,” Hartsfield said. “I plan to drive as long as I am able. I love the kids.”