'T' honors operator for avoiding woman on tracks

BOSTON -- The MBTA is honoring the train operator who saved a woman's life back in November.

The passenger fell onto the Orange Line tracks at North Station and operator Charice Lewis managed to stop her train inches from the woman's head.

Lewis received the Community Recognition Award during a “Women’s History Month” event at the State Transportation Building Friday afternoon.

“I’m not the only hero here. I’m very grateful that people thought about me in such a significant time ,” Lewis said.

Lewis said her life has changed since the event. She said she’s more alert and aware at work, and more people recognize who she is.

“[Other people say] ‘Oh aren’t you the woman?’ I’m like, ‘No…yeah,” Lewis said.

The award isn’t the first she’s received for her quick action.

Lewis said she thinks about the event every day.

“It’s still a crazy moment. I still remember it like it was yesterday. It’s still scary. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone,” she said.

Lewis said she has never spoken to the woman who fell, but that woman's father did send her flowers.

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