GRASS VALLEY (CBS13) – A school bus driver is being called a hero after saving a special needs student’s life earlier this week in Grass Valley.

Danny Waldrum, who works for Durham school services, was driving his normal route Tuesday, when he saw 13-year-old Connor di Lorenzo’s face turning blue. The student was choking on a rock.

“I looked back and I could see a little of his cheeks and ears and they were turning blue,” said Waldrum. “And when I yelled out his name he didn’t even move.”

Danny called 9-1-1 but knew he didn’t have much time.   The former law enforcement officer got behind Connor and with one push out came the rock.

“I came over and lifted his head up, he still wasn’t breathing.  I reached over the seats and with one thrust…out popped a rock,” said

Connor is now doing just fine.  Danny even visited him in the hospital and got a surprise from Connor’s mom.

“Before I could even open my mouth, she grabbed me and almost choked me, hugging me so much,” said Waldrum.

Danny’s co-workers were not surprised.

“When we got the call, the 9-1-1 call, we knew the child was in the best hands, because Danny would respond in any way he needed to do it,” said Paula Davison of Durham School Services. “

Durham school services say they’re very proud of Danny and they also train all of their drivers in life-saving techniques.