After 27 years, bus driver makes last stop, retires

"School bus drivers are a special breed. For someone to stay professional for 27 years, shows that they not only have care for the kids, but they have enjoyed their work as well," First Student Contract Manager Karen Azman said in describing Beverly Hammurland, a bus driver for 27 years who officially retired last Friday.

"It's been one great adventure," Hammurland said.

Azman presented Hammurland with a special certificate from Mountain Home School District #193 recognizing Hammurland for her outstanding performance transporting Mountain Home School District's students to and from school safely.

Hammurland said she enjoyed her time with First Student. "It's been a good company to work for and the kids have been great."

Hammurland has been with First Student for so long that two of her fellow employees were prior passengers during Hammurland's tenure, Jen Carpentier and Deandra Williams.

During her 30 years, Hammurland has driven everything from transit coaches to school buses.

Hammurland, school bus driver for the Tipanuk route and First Student driver's trainer for the last 17 years, recalls her days driving for Mountain Home band and sports trips, but the one trip she remembers most of all was the time that she, along with five other drivers, got to take passengers to view a gold mine near Salmon.

In her travels, Hammurland has visited North Carolina, Washington state and Salt Lake City, Utah.

Hammurland enjoyed being around the children.

"The kids were great, they were fun to be around. They made waking up at 5:30 a.m. and leaving at 5:30 p.m., for 30 years all worthwhile."

Hammurland's fellow employees organized a farewell party for Hammurland, with a cake that read: "Bev -- Thank you, from our hearts."

Hammurland currently lives in Mountain Home with her husband, David (a retired manager of the bowling alley at MHAFB). She has six children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

What has Hammurland planned for the future? "We would like to see the family more and visit for much longer."