9 Investigates

CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Fire rescue van passes stopped school bus with sign, lights flashing

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A frustrated mother sent Channel 9 video of an Orange County Fire Rescue van driving past a school bus Monday that was stopped with its lights flashing.

Orange County Fire Rescue said the van was not an emergency vehicle. It was used to maintain and fix equipment.

The law requires drivers to stop for school buses while children are entering and exiting.

Parent Nelly Torres-Lugo said she sees drivers ignoring the flashing lights and stop sign on the bus frequently.

"I've tried to raise my voice about it, stick up for these kids.  Somebody has to," she said.

Torres-Lugo said she’s posted videos on social media for months from her daughter's bus stop on Semoran Boulevard near Aloma Avenue in Winter Park.

"I saw it was a business van go by, but it wasn't until after, when I looked at the video, that I realized it was Orange County Fire Rescue," said Torres-Lugo.

Torres-Lugo pointed out that not only did the van keep going, it appeared to go around a car that did stop, and into the turn lane to pass the bus.

"I was just shocked,” she said.

Orange County Fire Rescue told Channel 9 that passing a stopped school bus is not an acceptable practice for any Orange County Fire Rescue vehicle.

“If you don't stop, how do you expect people to stop? You're supposed to set the example. They didn't. They failed," Torres-Lugo said.

Orange County Fire Rescue is deciding whether the driver will be disciplined.