When attorney Jason Famiglietti of Famiglietti & Famiglietti law firm arrived at his office Feb. 11, he never expected he and his staff would end the day being called heroes.

But that is exactly what Famiglietti is being called by students, family and community members affected by a school bus accident occurring at the intersection of Route 177 and West Main Street that day.

While working his corner office law firm, Famiglietti heard a loud crash occurring when the school bus carrying 13 Plainville High School students collided with a Poland Springs delivery truck.

"Being at this corner, we've heard a lot of accidents happen at this intersection, but this was the loudest crash I ever heard," Famiglietti said. "There was no warning, no screeching of the breaks, nothing."

What ensued within the next several minutes following the crash now seems like a blur, Famiglietti said.

After running outside to the crash site, Famiglietti discovered the bus driver, Plainville resident Merrilee Bernhardt, had been seriously injured beyond his help. Since the front door appeared jammed shut, he ran to the rear of the bus, helped students open the back door, and began directing students into his office building.

Then he, his secretary, Michelle Bigos, and staff members, Cindy and Noel Carrier, separated the group depending on who needed treatment in preparation for the ambulances en route.

"It was a total group effort between as all, I just happened to get there first," Famiglietti said. "I can hardly remember it all, things happened so fast."

What Famiglietti does remember however, is being impressed by the amount of concern and helpfulness students demonstrated toward each other during the time of crisis.

"I was so struck with the composure of the students, how well they handled it, and how they looked out for one another," Famiglietti said.

Students were transported to several area hospitals, with no serious injuries being reported.

Some of the students' families and community members were equally impressed by Famiglietti and his staff's quick responses as well. Since the accident, the bus driver visited his office to thank him for his help, two parents have telephoned him to thank the group as well as Plainville Superintendent of Schools Kathleen Binkowski.

"I had never experienced anything like this before, but I think I did what anyone else would have done," Famiglietti said.

For his actions, the Town Council honored Famiglietti Monday at Town Council meeting by presenting a citation of thanks from the police department. Councilman Kirby Deegan, Police Capt. Peter Costanzo and Sgt. Charles Smedick gave Famiglietti the citation.