SWITA driver Steve Herrington receives National “Frontline Hero”

AREA — Officials with the Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA) announced Driver Steve Herrington received the 2026 Frontline Hero Award from the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA),  one of the public transportation industry’s highest honors recognizing outstanding frontline service and dedication to community.
Herrington accepted the award May 13 during CTAA’s National EXPO conference at the CHI Health Center in Omaha.
Since joining SWITA in December 2022, Herrington has earned praise from riders, coworkers and community partners for his professionalism, compassion and willingness to help others. SWIPCO Executive Director John McCurdy said Herrington represents “the best of what you want to see in a true public servant,” noting his consistently positive attitude and commitment to serving others.
Beyond transporting passengers, Herrington regularly helps train new drivers, adjusts his schedule to meet operational needs and remains attentive to rider and community needs throughout southwest Iowa.
The award highlighted two moments from the past year. In one instance, after a young student rider died in a non-transit related accident in Atlantic, Herrington immediately checked on and comforted the family, many of whom were his riders. He also personally delivered donations collected by SWITA employees to help the family with expenses.
The second occurred during a blizzard that closed portions of Interstate 80 and stranded motorists in dangerous conditions. Herrington volunteered to transport stranded travelers to shelter, safely driving 20 people, along with two cats and a dog, nearly 10 miles in near whiteout conditions into Atlantic. He later continued assisting by transporting discharged hospital patients to shelters.
Transit Director Mark Lander said Herrington stands out even among SWITA’s dedicated drivers, calling the national recognition well deserved.