The bus driver “Hero” meets again with the rescued 5-year-old girl

On By Yukito

A “hero” New York bus driver was reunited with the young girl he saved last month while she was walking alone on the sidewalk.

MTA bus operator Luis Jimenez, 60, met 5-year-old Adaline “Addy” Gonzalez and her family in October and said it was a long-awaited reunion.

“I felt so good. My heart was beating fast. I couldn’t wait to meet her and her parents because something like this should be celebrated. She made it home,” Jimenez told New York’s ABC station WABC.

The bus driver “Hero” meets again with the rescued 5-year-old girl

New York bus driver Luis Jimenez reunited with 5-year-old Addy, whom he spotted wandering alone on a street in Harlem in September.

WABC

When they reunited and did a happy dance, Addy also told Jimenez, “Thank you, Luis, for being my hero and saving my life.”

New York bus driver Luis Jimenez reunited with 5-year-old Addy, whom he spotted wandering alone on a street in Harlem in September.

WABC

In September, Jimenez was riding the M116 intercity bus when he noticed Addy walking alone.

“My fatherly instinct kicked in because if I saw a child on the street needing help, I would want someone to help one of my children or grandchildren,” Jimenez previously told WABC.

According to Adda, her favorite fish died that day while she was walking alone and trying to get to the pet store to buy another fish.

During their reunion, Addy finally granted her wish for a new fish and gave her pet a meaningful name.

Addy called Jimenez her “hero” and held a new fish in her hands, which she named “Luis” after the bus driver.

WABC

“I decided to name my new fish… Luis,” she said. “I was excited and happy and it was perfect.”

The Gonzalez family also presented Jimenez with a token of their appreciation – a special New York Jets hat with the words “Addy’s Hero” written on it.

Luis Jimenez told WABC that he noticed 5-year-old Addy walking alone, so he stepped in to make sure she was safe.

WABC

Adda’s father, Cesar Gonzalez, told WABC: “It’s great to meet Luis. …And thank God. Thank him. You know, (for Jimenez’s sake) she’s here with us today.”