George O'Neill, a driver for the Transportation Department in Levittown, placed second at the Nassau County School Bus Safety Road-eo representing Levittown.

After taking second place, he earned the right to compete at the state level and represent the county. The state competition, which was held in July in Albany, had 88 competitors and O'Neill came in third in the transit division.

O'Neill was asked to showcase his bus handling skills and safety techniques. He competed in various events at seven stations including maneuvering the bus through a tight course through barrels, backing up without hitting the barrel and unloading and loading passengers safely.

"The Transportation Department, Levittown Schools and the county are very proud of his accomplishments," said Judy Roy, supervisor of transportation with Levittown School District

The event is run through the New York Association for Pupil Transportation, which is a professional organization dedicated to the support, development and representation of the professionals who are responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of more than 2.3 million school children each day.

"It was about knowing the parameters of the bus," said O'Neill, who is a retired police officer and has been a bus driver for two years. "I was shocked for the Nassau County result and overwhelmed that I did well in the state result. I was flabbergasted. I went with no expectations and was shocked when I was called. I am not one to be at a loss for words, but I was."