In a recent meeting of the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA), the board celebrated the heroic actions of two staff members, Michelle Ariza and Adrian, who were honored with hero awards for their remarkable acts of service.

Michelle Ariza was recognized for her quick thinking on May 2, when she noticed an elderly man appearing confused and lost after exiting a bus at the Hemet Valley mall. Despite her bus being scheduled to depart, she chose to check on the man, who was unable to identify his location or contact anyone for help. Michelle brought him back to safety on the bus and alerted dispatch, who contacted the police to ensure the man's well-being.

Adrian received accolades for his bravery on June 16, when he encountered a car fire while driving home after his shift. Without hesitation, he stopped to assist the vehicle's owner, calling 911 and using a fire extinguisher to put out the flames before waiting for the fire department to arrive.

The meeting, which began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, saw no public comments, allowing the board to focus on recognizing the commendable efforts of its staff. The presentations highlighted the dedication and commitment of RTA employees to the safety and service of the community, reinforcing the agency's reputation as a source of pride for Riverside County.