Above and Beyond Awards

David Cole has been a driver for the St. Johns County Council on Aging (SJCCOA) since 1996.  As the Community Transportation Coordinator they provide transportation to people of all ages and an array of disabilities. David’s dedication to this job, his commitment to safety and his compassion for the people he transports is evident to all who witness his job performance.  This outstanding performance prompted David’s promotion to Lead Driver. In this role, David serves as a trainer to the system’s new drivers, instilling good safety habits and a positive attitude in them from the very beginning.  David receives commendations on a regular basis. 

David’s impeccable record is evidenced with the SJCCOA.  He is consistently honored as a driver without an accident or incident in annual safety presentations.  He patiently takes the time to properly secure every wheelchair, knowing that the rider’s safety is in his hands.  He has personally trained most of the drivers currently employed by SJCCOA, sharing his passion for this work and his commitment to safety with each one of them.

David is a kind, caring professional who knows his passengers personally and relates to them as individuals.  Whether he is assisting an elderly passenger onto the bus or securing the wheelchair of a young rider with cerebral palsy on his way to a day program, David connects with them on a personal and heartfelt level.  He openly shares stories about interesting things his riders have done or humorous things that have happened on the bus and has the innate ability to make each passenger feel special and important. 

David Cole has successfully completed numerous training programs throughout his tenure with SJCCOA, including the Florida Para-Transit Driver Qualification Train the Trainer Workshop in March of 2005 and the Sure-Lok Wheelchair Securement Training by instructor Steve Barker in January 2007. 

Pictured (from left to right): Chris Yarber (Product Specialist, Sure-Lok) and David Cole.