Appeal deadline questions after an unemployment denial after 12 years as a school bus driver

I got a denial letter last week saying I left my job voluntarily, but I was let go as a school bus driver. I am in St. Louis, in case local advice matters. I have not done a hearing before and I am nervous. Should I ask someone for free legal help?

I printed my emails in order and wrote a one-page timeline. The hearing officer kept going back to it.