Boston Globe | By Jeremy C. Fox, Town Correspondent | October 2, 2012

An MBTA bus driver from East Boston is set to be honored by Medford police after she assisted in the safe return of an unattended toddler to her family, MBTA Transit Police announced.

Around 6:15 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 5, Donna D’Amelio was driving her bus when she saw a girl approximately 2 years old walking unattended near the busy intersection of Riverside Avenue and Light Guard Drive in Medford, according to an announcement by Transit Police Chief Paul S. MacMillan.

D’Amelio, an MBTA driver for 16 years, immediately stopped her bus, called Medford police, and kept watch over the girl until officers arrived.

The little girl was taken to Lawrence Memorial Hospital for evaluation while four Medford police officers searched the neighborhood for a parent or guardian. Around 7 a.m., an officer found an open door in a nearby housing development and awakened the family inside.

The mother, visibly shaken when she heard that her child had been found outdoors alone, was taken immediately to the hospital and reunited with her daughter.

In recognition of D’Amelio’s quick response and careful attention to the child’s safety, Medford police will present her with a certificate of commendation at Transit Police headquarters at 10 a.m. on Oct. 10.

“The vigilant observations and subsequent actions taken by Ms. D’Amelio clearly prevented danger to the child and narrowly averted what could have been a terrible tragedy,” MacMillan said in the announcement.

“The measures shown by Bus Operator D’Amelio personify her dedication and loyalty to the MBTA and the citizens of Medford. Her perseverance and commitment reflects greatly upon herself and the authority and are worthy of praise,” he continued.