One morning, Todd Morris, a veteran police officer turned bus driver, turned a corner and spotted something alarming. It was a residence of two children on his bus route, and the students were due to stay home. Morris knew action was necessary.

Morris, 54, at the time, recognized his responsibility not just as a bus driver, but as a guardian. “I frequently refer to the kids on my bus as my kids,” he shared. “Every kid on my bus has a nickname.”

Without hesitation, Morris got out of his vehicle and dashed towards the house. He dialed 911 as he sprinted. “I started knocking on the door and yelling out the kids’ names,” he recounted. When there was no response, Morris forcibly entered the residence, relying on his extensive training.

Inside, the house was filled with smoke. Morris’s heart raced as he searched, calling out for anyone inside. After a few harrowing moments, he found not his intended targets — but two terrified dogs.

Morris discovered two dogs — a German shepherd named Cash and an American bulldog mix named Lady — sitting at the bottom of the stairs. He carried Cash, who was having difficulty walking, out of the smoky home. Both dogs were shaken but alive.

Morris’s efforts paid off significantly as the fire department arrived shortly after. “I’ve had to open a door a time or two,” he remembered calmly. “I relied on my training… I just went into autopilot and did what I know.”

The fire gutted the Fisher family’s home while they were all away. Matt Fisher, father to the children, was stunned and moved by Morris’s actions. “It’s just so devastating. It’s unbelievable,” Fisher commented, adding that he was most relieved his pets were saved.