Blog Post: Hal the Crossing Guard, A Job Well Done

We all appreciate the work that our Agoura Hills school crossing guards do each morning and afternoon. These dedicated people, no matter what the weather might bring, help to ensure that our children make it safely to and from school each day.

To me, I think that no one personifies a more perfect crossing guard than s Harold "Hal" Zaff. Known to most as “Hal”, you will find him on most school days in front of the school, carefully orchestrating the flow of the cars and pedestrians.

Those of us who walk our children to school have learned to listen for his friendly “okay,” telling us it is safe to finally cross the street. In fact, we are so well-trained, that on days when he is not there it is hard to cross without hearing it be said! We listen to him and so do the children. Hal is friendly, dedicated, and I think the other parents of Willow Elementary kids will all agree, he does a fantastic job.

Hal has worked at Willow Elementary for the past eleven years. He lives in Westlake Village with his wife, and each morning and afternoon he leaves his house early to get to Willow before the students start arriving. 

Hal had been a 20 year resident of Agoura Hills (before becoming the Willow crossing guard he had worked in the furniture business), but moved to Westlake Village the same year he started his job at Willow Elementary School.

Eleven years is a long time to be a dedicated crossing guard. I was just thinking, if we do the math, some of the kindergartners that he led across the street eleven years ago are now possibly driving cars that Hal may be stopping during his work hours! 

This job can be dangerous. During this school year, and in the years past, there have been multiple times when cars, in their hurry to get to work or because of some other morning distraction, have almost “taken out” our wonderful crossing guard. We should all make sure to slow down near the schools and pay attention.  Luckily, Hal is there today, safe and sound, smiling and nodding at us as we make our way to school.

Thank you, Hal.  We appreciate the work that you and all of the other school crossing guards do here in Agoura Hills.