Milwaukee Streetcar Operator Trainee Honored for Heroic Actions

Milwaukee Streetcar Operator Trainee Honored for Heroic Actions

At Transdev, we are always proud of the dedication and care our employees show to the communities we serve. But sometimes, their actions go above and beyond the ordinary. That was the case for Charlet Simmon, a streetcar operator trainee in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who recently stepped in to protect a woman and her ADA-certified service dog during a sudden dog attack near the Burns Commons streetcar stop.

Janine Kent, who depends on her small 11-pound Yorkipoo service dog, Rudy, for support, found herself in a frightening situation when two large dogs charged at her and her companion. Without hesitation, Simmon acted quickly to shield them and keep them safe.

Simmon and Kent were reunited for the first time since that day in a special recognition ceremony hosted by the City of Milwaukee and Transdev at the Streetcar Operations and Maintenance Facility.

The event celebrated Simmon’s courage and the bond that has formed between her and Kent. Kent, who was one of the first residents interviewed when The Hop streetcar opened, called Simmon her hero and expressed her gratitude for the care shown to her in a moment of crisis.

City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works Commissioner Jerrel Kruschke honored Simmon, holding her up as an example of what a city employee should be.

“Charlet, you went above and beyond. You were still in training. You stopped during a scary, unpredictable situation and did something truly courageous,” Kruschke said.

As part of the celebration, Kent received a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility, and donations were presented to two nonprofits in honor of both women. Wolfhounds Legacy, which trains service dogs for military veterans, and Periodic Paralysis International, a group supporting people with rare neuromuscular disorders like Kent’s, both accepted contributions and shared more about their important missions.

Since taking the helm as General Manager of The Hop, Michael Mills has been instrumental in transforming the team, including supporting the hire of Charlet and shining a light on the great work happening at the streetcar system. His leadership and commitment to recognizing employees like Charlet are key reasons The Hop continues to set a new standard for excellence.

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