After years of outstanding service and a heroic reaction to an emergency, the bus driver for the Senior Center of South Pearl River County was recently honored with a Humanitarian Award.
Community Development, Incorporated in Jackson recognized Frederick P. Mingo as a worthy recipient of their award.
Mingo was considered for the honor after he saved a client’s life on the bus. Last year, Mingo was driving the bus when he looked up and noticed one of his passengers had become unresponsive. He jumped back to where she was and put a piece of candy in her mouth. After calling an ambulance and getting her to a safe location, paramedics arrived and treated her.
Mingo said she had experienced a dangerous drop in blood sugar, and that doctors told him she would have died if he had not reacted as quickly as he did.
Mingo spoke of his actions humbly, and said he still sees the woman at the center occasionally along with his other passengers. As he was telling the story, one of his clients interrupted to give him a hug.
Originally from Columbia, Miss., Mingo has been working with the Senior Center as a driver for about four years, and he says he has a genuine love for his job.
“I love it, it’s where I get my knowledge from,” says Mingo, “My grandparents raised me and everything they taught me is a blessing.”