Freeport Area bus driver honored for 50 years behind the wheel

Terry Bergbigler doesn’t like meetings, but the one he was summoned to Tuesday morning will probably go down as one of his favorites.

Bergbigler’s colleagues at W.L. Roenigk successfully surprised him with an event to commemorate his 50 years as a school bus driver with the company.

With the drivers gathered at Smokin’ Toad’s in Buffalo Township, and family and friends in hiding, Freeport High School Principal Michael Kleckner and Transportation Director Shawn Stivenson unrolled what they said was a map — but was actually a congratulations banner.

“Thank you, thank you,” said Bergbigler, 72. “But I’m not doing another 50.”

Bergbigler, a lifelong Buffalo Township resident, former 24-year township supervisor, cattle farmer and retired Freeport Area custodian, is the longest serving driver Roenigk has ever had, according to company President Sue Roenigk.

For five decades, he’s driven only for Freeport Area.

“Terry has been one of the most stable, most sought-after drivers we’ve ever had,” Roenigk said. “The kids love him and the teachers respect him. He’s the first request for field trips.”

Bergbigler graduated from Freeport in 1967, a year after Candy Kestner, who drove for Roenigk for 40 years.

“He beat me,” said Kestner, who retired two years ago for health reasons. “He’s going down in the history books.”

Kestner described Bergbigler as a joker.

“I think Terry’s going to drive until he dies in the bus,” she said. “I think he’ll always drive as long as he can.”

Bergbigler drove part time for Roenigk in the afternoons while he worked at Buffalo Elementary School for 42 years. He went full time after retiring in 2010.

With most drivers being retirees or stay-at-home parents, Bergbigler is a rarity in starting driving at a young age, said Ryan Dellinger, executive director of the Pennsylvania School Bus Association.

Among Bergbigler’s accolades Tuesday were a letter of recognition from the association and its safe driver award, which drivers are eligible for if they go five years without an accident or incident behind the wheel.

“This is something rare. This is something special,” Dellinger said. “I know anybody doing any kind of job for 50 years; I believe almost anybody would find that impressive.”

Bergbigler followed the example of his grandfather, Art McCafferty, who also drove for Roenigk, said his brother, Dennis Bergbigler. They’re partners on the farm where Terry was born, raised and lives today.

Dennis said Terry was never married and has no children of his own.

“He says he has enough kids,” Dennis said.

Terry can’t say how much longer he’ll keep driving. One measure he has is his driver’s license, which he said has three years left on it.

“As long as my health’s good,” he said.