School bus driver saves crossing guard’s life: ‘God brought us together’

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) – A school crossing guard who suffered a medical emergency on campus said she has her friend, one of the school bus drivers, to thank for saving her life.

The first day of September started as a normal day for Murfreesboro City Schools bus driver Millie Rodriguez.

Rodriguez, who has been driving the school bus since 2019, said she went to lunch with her husband during morning and afternoon routes.

That day, she decided to return to work early, which later turned out to be life-saving.

When Rodriguez arrived at Hobgood Elementary School, she saw her friend Geneva McKnight, the school security guard. However, she noticed that McKnight was not in his usual parking spot, which alerted Rodriguez.

“I said, Miss Geneva, how are you feeling today,” Rodriguez said

McKnight then got out of the car and drove toward the school, with Rodriguez following closely behind her.

“She says, ‘Millie, I think I’m having a heart attack,’” Rodriguez said.

McKnight, who has been a crossing guard at the school since 1997, found herself in the hands of Rodriguez and school staff.

“Millie was holding my right hand and someone had my left hand, so I asked Millie to pray for me,” McKnight said.

McKnight was taken to the hospital, where doctors confirmed she had suffered a heart attack.

She stayed in the hospital for a week. No more than three weeks later, she was back on Baird Lane, making sure the students crossed the street safely.

She said it was all thanks to her friend Rodriguez.

“I just thank God for putting her here,” McKnight said.

Rodriguez was recognized for her actions at the last Murfreesboro City School Board meeting.

“(I am) proud of the work that I do, proud of the person that I am, but most importantly, you have to be proud of the difference that you and I can make,” Rodriguez said at the meeting.

McKnight, who is 85, has no plans to give up her patrol uniform yet. She said she had the most coveted crossing guard position in the system, and Rodriguez joked that she might want that job when she decides to give up driving the bus.

“God brought us together,” Rodriguez said.

“Yes, he said,” McKnight.