DeKalb County school bus driver marks 46 years on the job, leaving lasting impression on generations of students

For Henry Mercer, driving a school bus was never supposed to become a lifelong career. But 46 years later, the DeKalb County School District driver is still behind the wheel, helping students get to school safely and building relationships that can last long after graduation.Mercer marked his 46th anniversary on Nov. 1 and is beginning his 47th year with the district."Well, I started just for the benefits, but then it seemed to grow on me," Mercer said.Over the decades, the job has become second nature. Before each route, Mercer carefully inspects his bus, checking windows, emergency exits and other safety equipment to make sure everything is ready for students.But his attention goes beyond the bus itself.Mercer says he makes an effort to greet students and pay attention to their behavior, recognizing when something might be wrong."But when Joe don't say anything, that tells me I need to look, I need to talk to Joe," Mercer said, describing how he notices when a normally talkative stud