A Facebook post has gone viral overnight about one of our very own Lamar County Deputies, Hunter Sanders.
Around midnight, a bus carrying the Black Ice Dance Team from Shreveport, Louisiana broke down near Arthur City.
“Where the bus had broken down was on the top of a hill and cars coming up on them couldn’t see them,” said Sanders.
56 children between the ages of 5 years-old to 20 years-old were left stranded and in a place they didn’t know.
Reporter, Timmy Lane was on the bus with the dance crew and shared the story online.
“We stopped on the side of the road in a very dark area, with no houses or businesses near us,” said Lane on his Facebook post. “One of our dance parents called 911 for the dispatch operators to send someone out to help us in any way possible.”
Deputy Sanders responded to the call and even though his shift ended at 2 a.m., he remained on scene until his replacement arrived.
“It was important to stay there with my emergency vehicle, lights flashing, for their safety,” added Sanders.
However, Sanders went one step further and returned to the bus on his way home from work.
“I was on my way home and decided to stop. It’s always better to have more than one officer on a scene if you can,” said Sanders, “There was nothing holding me back from going so I stayed to help and just make sure all was well.”
Lane said, Deputy Sanders, stayed with the bus until around 4:30 a.m. to make sure they were safe.
“They ended up sending another bus from Shreveport which got there around 4:30 a.m. and we safely saw the kids off,” said Sanders.
But when he woke this morning to a post about him that had gone viral, Sanders was speechless.
“I didn’t think it was that big of a deal. I guess they just wanted to show their appreciation and I do appreciate it,” added Sanders.
“It’s a good feeling to know that people appreciate you.”
Sheriff Scott Cass added he is very proud of all his staff, including Deputy Sanders for going above and beyond.
“I’m very proud of all my staff from our deputies to dispatch and appreciate folks that take the time to share kind words like this,” said Cass, “That post speaks volumes.”
“We are blessed to work in Lamar County with citizens who support law enforcement.”
Lane ended his post with these encouraging words for Deputy Sanders.
“Deputy Hunter is a true definition of a brave, caring, serving and protecting first responder,” said Lane, “On behalf of The Shreveport Black Ice Dance Team, we proudly say THANKS for everything you’ve done,” said Lane.
PHOTO SOURCE: Reporter Timmy Lane/Black Ice Dance Team
