Gavin Shupe Recognized As A Wolf Den Hero For Quick Thinking

We are excited to announce the Wolf Den of Heroes Inductee for March 2026. Each month, the Wolf looks forward to celebrating a first responder who serves our community. Selected from the nominations received each month, we are excited to honor this month's hero.

The Wolf has teamed up with Rutberg Breslow Personal Injury Law, Mid Hudson Pump Company, and MHA of Dutchess County to select one of our area's first responders to be inducted into the Wolf Den of Heroes from among everyone who has been nominated to date. Sometimes, it is not just one person, but rather a whole team, that we put in the spotlight. This month, we will be honoring someone who is serving his community as a member of a Volunteer Ambulance Corp.

Gavin Shupe is still a High School student and a member of the Rock Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corp. He recently came to the aid of his school bus driver, who was having a medical emergency while driving a bus full of students. He recently retold his story to Wakin' Up with CJ and Jess, and there is no doubt that Gavin's actions are deserving of his being inducted into the Wolf Den of Heroes.

Read March Wolf Den Inductee's Nomination Story

Gavin was nominated by Jessica Epifania, a Captain at the Rock Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corp, who shared that:

Gavin demonstrated true courage, leadership, and quick thinking during a frightening situation on his school bus. When the bus driver experienced a medical emergency and began driving in the wrong direction on the highway, Gavin immediately recognized that something was seriously wrong. While many people might freeze in a moment like that, Gavin acted.

He quickly moved to the front of the bus and urged the driver to pull over, while another student assisted by engaging the emergency brake. Because of Gavin’s awareness and decisive action, the bus was safely brought to a stop, preventing what could have been a devastating situation.

Gavin’s response was not luck. It was the result of his dedication to learning how to help others. As a Junior Active Member of the Rock Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Gavin has been training to become an EMT. He has already successfully completed his practical exams and is preparing to take his written certification exam. His instincts to assess danger, stay calm, and take action reflect the values we work hard to instill in emergency responders.

What makes Gavin a hero is not just what he did in that moment, but who he is every day. He is committed to serving his community, learning life-saving skills, and stepping up when others need help. His actions on that bus show that even before earning his EMT certification, Gavin already embodies what it means to be a first responder.

We could not be prouder of him

READ More: See the List of Wolf Den Inductees and Nominate Someone Today

Nominate A First Responder for the Wolf Den of Heroes for 2026

Now that you have read Gavin's story, please take a moment to tell us about a first responder you know. Nominate them to be inducted into the Wolf Den of Heroes. Tell us their story and why you believe they deserve to be recognized for their efforts in our community.

It is easy to nominate a first responder you know. Please complete the form on our website. Be sure to take a minute to share some information about the person you are nominating, and please feel free to send us a picture or two. We look forward to putting a spotlight on someone you know in 2026.