Meriden Crossing Guard Fatally Struck By Vehicle Remembered As A ‘Beloved Dad And Papa’

MERIDEN, CT — The crossing guard who was struck and killed by a vehicle on Wednesday morning in Meriden is being remembered as a "beloved dad and papa."

The crossing guard has been identified by family as Dale Chavous, who was struck by a vehicle around 8:50 a.m. in the 300 block of Broad Street at its intersection with Olive Street.

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"With a broken heart, we are asking family, friends, and community for support following the tragic loss of Dale, a beloved dad and papa, who was killed while performing his crossing guard duties," according to a GoFundMe campaign that has been launched in support of the family. "To the children and parents he greeted with a smile daily, he was much more than just a crossing guard. His smile and friendly, positive presence brought joy to everyone who encountered him. He took great pride in his role serving the City of Meriden.

"Above all else, he was a loving father to Shauna and Olivia, and a devoted papa to his granddaughters, Liliana and Karsyn. His girls were his greatest joy, and his love for them immense."

Since Chavous just started his crossing guard position in August, he was not eligible for union assistance with funeral and service expenses, "which now fall on his daughters," according to the GoFundMe page.

"We are raising funds to help his family provide him with the farewell he deserves during this heartbreaking time," the post reads. "Any funds raised beyond the cost of his services will support his granddaughters and their future and to assist in replacing the after-school care he provided to Karsyn."

Nearly $21,000 has been raised within the first day of the GoFundMe campaign.

For more information, or to make a donation, visit the GoFundMe page here.

See also: Meriden Crossing Guard's Death Leaves Community 'Devastated'