King County Metro drivers mourn Shawn Yim, decry violence

For the last time on Friday afternoon, King County Metro drivers heard a radio call for their fellow driver. The call boomed through Seattle's WaMu Theater.

"Operator 21882...Operator 21882...out of service."

Operator 21882, Shawn Yim, was remembered as a beloved husband, uncle, and servant to the city. Yim was known by his fellow bus drivers for going above and beyond for his passengers, especially children and the elderly.

Yim was fatally stabbed while driving his route in December. The man accused of killing Yim, Richard Sitzlack, was arrested on Dec. 21.

RELATED: Dozens of mourners gather for vigil honoring slain Seattle bus driver

Prior to the memorial, metro employees from King County and beyond joined a procession of 100 vehicles to honor Yim, some traveling from transit agencies in Portland and British Columbia. The caravan moved from Seattle's Sodo neighborhood to Seattle Center, finishing at WaMu Theater.

During the memorial, Greg Woodfill, the Seattle president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587, read a letter from Yim's family. It described the last commendation he received from a rider.

“The driver on the bus advised cool kids not to run, and said he would wait for them," Woodfill said. "He made sure all the kids caught the bus.”

As Yim's friend and fellow metro employee Mitch Spencer described, that act of kindness was commonplace for Yim. He was the kind of driver that would give someone the coat off his back, or offer support for his fellow driver.

Spencer recalled one instance in particular. He told Yim about witnessing a passenger overdose on his bus, her screams in terror sticking with him.

"And Shawn had called me later that night, and asked if I was okay," Spencer said.

While the event was an opportunity for Yim’s fellow drivers and union members to honor his memory, many speakers used their time on stage to call for an end to the harassment and violence bus operators experience.

ATU International President John A. Costa passionately rebuked Yim's death.

"Those in the room, who ask us to vote for you for your support, please work and do something about this," Costa said. "Don't sweep it under the rug."

Metro riders also paid their respects to Yim. Shawn Hayenga took time off of work to attend the procession and memorial. She made a handmade sign, saying "Love to our bus drivers."

"This is a very serious issue, and we need to get a grip on it, and stop the excuses, and dragging the feet," Hayenga said. "Passengers are affected as well. It affects all of us."

The King County Council is expected to convene a special meeting on Monday, Jan. 13, to discuss transit safety. Representatives from King County Metro, Sound Transit, and the King County's Sherriff's Office are slated to attend.