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Cold Spring Fire Chief Receives Westchester School District Award
 | | Hendrick Hudson Head Mechanic Joseph Russo receives the "Extra Mile" award from Board Member Stacie Cignarale. |
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"On each bus there are 75 reasons to make it safe." The 56 buses that carry Hendrick Hudson district students to school every day safely and efficiently travel more than half a million miles each year and for almost 14 years Joseph Russo has been the man who keeps them running. Russo, 57, a life-long resident of Cold Spring, was recognized for his tireless efforts on March 12 when he was presented with the Hendrick Hudson School District "Extra Mile" award. Russo is Hendrick Hudson Head Mechanic.
The award is presented to individuals who go the extra mile for Hen Hud students. Thanks to his efforts the buses travel many extra miles safely. The Hendrick Hudson School District is located in northwestern Westchester County. The district has five schools, with more than 2,800 students.
"On any given morning you a half-hour to 45 minutes before the start of his shift," Hen Hud Board Member Stacie Cignarale said. "He feels that coming in early allows him to set the tone for the day." Russo is a hands-on individual so on a visit to the Hen Hud bus garage he can be found working on a bus, assisting one of his mechanics, changing seats, replacing back up lights and beepers, checking maintenance records and more. "I do it right because I like to sleep at night," Russo said. "I make sure that each one of our vehicles is safe and mechanically sound to transport children. On each bus there are 75 reasons (children) to make it safe. That's the priority."
In addition to his duties at Hendrick Hudson, Russo is also Cold Spring Fire Chief. He has served as a volunteer firefighter in Cold Spring for 39 years.
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