Hero bus driver in Lake City shooting reunited with paramedic who helped save him

Several weeks ago, two people were killed, and another two were injured when a gunman opened fire in the middle of a busy street in Lake City. It could have been much worse, if not for heroic King County Metro bus driver, Eric Stark.

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Yesterday, KIRO Radio was there when Stark met with the first responders who helped save his life.

This a reunion at the medic’s bay at Harborview on Wednesday, where a handful of firefighters and paramedics who responded to the shooting met with Stark. Despite being shot in the chest on that tragic day, he managed to get his passengers to safety.

Eric shared his story, explaining how it took him a moment to realize what was happening when he came upon the shooter.

“I slowed down and stopped maybe seven to 10 yards away — I saw the guy roll over on his back and his arm went up on the side,” he described. “The next I knew he was standing up, and he got into a shooting stance. I’m still thinking, ‘I don’t understand what’s going on.'”

But it didn’t take long before Eric realized what exactly was happening.

“I heard the shot, the glass break, and I felt something hit me in the chest, and then I knew what was going on,” he continued. “A million thoughts went through my head in the space of seconds.”

Eric says he likely would have been shot in the face had he not ducked. That’s when he amazingly had the presence of mind to jump into action.

“I figured, ‘I’m still functioning, so we’re getting out of here.’ Somehow I managed to get (the bus) in reverse, and just started backing up as fast as I could.”

Eric has been hailed as a hero since the shooting, but he was humble about it on Wednesday, expressing gratitude for first responders.

“These men and women are my heroes,” he noted.

Eric thanked several of the firefighters and paramedics at the reunion, and had a special thank you for Brian Wallace, who was in the back of the ambulance with him as he was rushed to Harborview that day.

For Brian, getting the chance to see Eric up and about was a huge silver lining to an otherwise tragic incident.

“I think that our job in general becomes an exercise in finding joy in the midst of confusion and chaos for people,” said Wallace. “We typically see people that are having the worst day of their life — it’s a really unique experience to get to see them once they’ve recovered, and they’re doing really well.”

Eric brought a card from his family for the whole crew, to thank them for saving his life, along with a heartfelt message to Brian.

“We’re overwhelmed with gratitude for your quick, caring response in taking care of our dad — you are incredible,” the message read.

With that, he handed Brian a Mr. Incredible Funko doll.

Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins says Eric is not only a hero, but has inspired the community.

“I think he’s a hero for this community — he acted in a very challenging time,” Chief Scoggins said. “He had already been shot, and he had the wherewithal to get all of his passengers to a safe space. That’s huge, and that’s what community is all about.”

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