Miami-Dade Transit driver Laronda Marshall. TNS

The Miami-Dade Transit driver might as well have a cape with an “S” on front. Marshall has saved three lives since she started driving a bus eight years ago.

Recently, Marshall’s quick actions saved the life of one of her passengers, a man who was slumped in his seat and appeared to be sick, her bosses at the county’s Department of Transportation and Public Works said.

Marshall was driving the 77 bus near Northwest 103rd Street and Seventh Avenue when a passenger alerted her to the ill man.

The driver pulled over and called headquarters for help, then rushed to try to rouse him. But he wasn’t responding, the county said.

With the help of other passengers, Marshall laid him on the bus floor and began CPR. She didn’t stop pressing his chest until police and paramedics arrived.

“I have a love for people, and my instinct is to jump in and help,” Marshall said.

The man survived. Paramedics said that if Marshall hadn’t jumped into action, he would be dead.

Being called a hero is not new for Marshall. This was the third time she has come to the aid of people whose paths she crossed behind the wheel of her bus.

In November 2017, Marshall spotted a pedestrian lying on the road after being hit by a car. She parked her bus in a way to protect the man from further injury, then stayed to comfort him until help arrived.

A month later, Marshall saw a little girl alone in the middle of the street. She quickly guided the child onto her bus to keep her safe.

Marshall “goes above and beyond her duties,” said Alice N. Bravo, director of the transit department. “We are extremely proud … and are grateful for her professionalism, heroism and her willingness to serve others — even in challenging situations.”

Marshall used to be a certified nursing assistant. Now, as a bus driver, she’s grateful she was able to use her medical skills to save lives.

“I really feel everybody should learn CPR because it could save a life,” she said. “Especially in transit.”

Tribune News Service