RIPTA Driver Awarded For Life-Saving Act Of Heroism

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority driver recognized last month for jumping to action when seeing a man who appeared ready to jump off a bridge was recognized for her heroism this week by the 2020 Class of Leadership Rhode Island.

Eldora "Ellie" Giblin, an operator for the transit authority, was driving her Route 33 bus route on April 3 when she saw a man in apparent distress.

At the time of the incident, Patch reported Giblin pulled over her bus to talk to the man.

"People just had their phones out and were taking pictures or video — it broke my heart," she said. "I told my passengers not to worry and that I would be right back."

Giblin said she called out to the man, asking him to get on the bus. When he didn't respond, she started to walk towards him, asking to "please come to me."

The man, who did not move, responded that "no one cares," Giblin said. After assuring him that she cared, Giblin encouraged the man to join her during her break at a nearby Shaw's in East Providence.

The man eventually got off the bridge and went home, but not before promising Giblin that he would not to hurt himself.

Read more: RIPTA Driver Credited With Helping Man Poised To Jump Off Bridge

"I made him pinky swear," she said, adding that she seals promises this way with her children.

Giblin was honored shortly after the incident and given citations from Rhode Island House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio.

This week, she was also given a "hero coin" by the 2020 class of Leadership Rhode Island.

“Ellie’s actions today are a rare act — that of a compassionate, caring and brave hero,” leadership class member Melissa Devine said in a statement

Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea also issued a citation praising Giblin: "We continue to be so proud of her."