[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            REMEMBERING CHARLES ``CHUCK'' ALBERT POLAND, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARTHA ROBY

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 12, 2013

  Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroic actions 
of Mr. Charles ``Chuck'' Albert Poland, Jr., a school bus driver from 
Southeast Alabama who died protecting the lives of the children in his 
care.
   Tuesday, January 29, started out just like another day for Mr. 
Poland, who had worked as a school bus driver for the Dale County 
Schools system since 2009. However, that afternoon while completing his 
route, an armed man entered Mr. Poland's school bus and demanded to 
take children hostage. Faced with this perilous situation, Mr. Poland 
rushed the children out the bus emergency exit and to safety. Standing 
between the gunman and the children, Mr. Poland was shot four times and 
killed. There is little doubt that Mr. Poland's actions saved lives.
   This, of course, began the week-long hostage standoff, which, 
thankfully, ended with the amazing rescue of the child hostage. But who 
knows how the situation might have ended had Mr. Poland not bravely 
stood in the gunman's way.
   Mr. Speaker, as a mother of two young children, I am particularly 
moved by the actions Chuck Poland took to protect the children in his 
care. It is difficult to even imagine our children being in such 
danger. How heartening to know that--whether in a classroom or on a 
school bus--people like Mr. Poland are looking out for students and 
protecting them.
   Those who know Chuck Poland best speak to his quiet, humble spirit. 
They note that he would likely shy away from the attention. Born in 
Idaho, Mr. Poland made Southeast Alabama his home in the 1960s. He 
served in the Army before settling down as a diesel mechanic. When he 
retired, he took up a part-time job as a bus driver. Ultimately, Mr. 
Poland was asked to become a full-time bus driver in 2009.
   Mr. Poland was a beloved husband to Jan, his wife of over 40 years; 
a loving father to his son, Aaron, and daughter, Lydia; and doting 
``Paw-Paw'' to his three grandsons, Timothy, Ryan, and Blake.
   Mr. Poland and his wife shared a favorite Bible verse, which, in 
this moment seems very fitting. ``For the which cause I also suffer 
these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have 
believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have 
committed unto him against that day.''--2 Timothy 1:12
   According to his son, Mr. Poland viewed his students as his own 
children, and he looked after them as though they were his own. Chuck 
Poland would be proud to watch them grow up; to see the men and women 
they become.
   One of the children might grow up to be a scientist who makes the 
next big discovery or cures a disease. One might start a major company 
that employs thousands. One might be a soldier who fights valiantly for 
our country. One might be a teacher, a nurse or a firefighter who makes 
a difference in the lives of others. But one thing is for sure--they 
each have the chance to live a full and happy life because their bus 
driver, Mr. Poland, was willing to give his life for theirs.
   The author Joseph Campbell wrote, ``A hero is someone who has given 
his or her life to something bigger than oneself.''
   Mr. Speaker, today we recognize a true hero. Chuck Poland gave his 
life so that others may live and, for that, he will always be 
remembered.

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