Bloomfield To Eliminate 10 Crossing Guard Posts, Authorities Say

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Bloomfield will be eliminating several crossing guard posts at intersections that “no longer require” them. But residents may still see a regular crossing guard presence there – unless “personnel shortages” take place, authorities say.

The Bloomfield Police Department released an advisory about the upcoming changes on Sunday.

“Please be advised that the Township of Bloomfield under the supervision of Chief George Ricci has conducted the required studies to review the need for crossing guards at many of its existing crossing guard locations in accordance with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and New Jersey Crossing Guard Manual requirements,” authorities reported.

The following locations “no longer require crossing guards” based on the state and federal standards, and will be eliminated over the course of the school year through attrition, police said:

• Glenwood Ave. and Maolis Ave.
• Glenwood Ave. and Evergreen Ave.
• La France Driveway
• Broad St. and James St.
• Washington St. and Thomas St.
• St Thomas School (Parking Lot)
• Franklin St. and Berkeley Place
• Franklin St. and Berkeley Ave.
• Watsessing Ave. and Berkeley Ave.
• E Passaic Ave. and W Passaic Ave.

“In an effort to provide the safest possible crossings, our team has assigned crossing guards to locations that meet state and federal required standards to better serve the community,” Bloomfield police said.

“The school post will be covered by our crossing guards on a regular basis, and as needed due to manpower shortages, they may be left uncovered due to personnel shortages,” police said.

The Bloomfield Police Department released an update about the crossing guard changes on Monday:

“Chief of Police George Ricci, along with the entire Bloomfield Police Department understands your concerns regarding the recent crossing guard post. Please know that we are doing all that we can to provide the best service possible. The intersections listed in our previous post will be covered by crossing guards when manpower allows. The only time the post will remain uncovered is when circumstances occur beyond our control, such as crossing guards calling out sick. Please know that we are continuously hiring and training crossing guards but unfortunately, the position is not always accepted and filled. The safety of our children is of the utmost importance to the entire Bloomfield Police Department. Anyone with questions or concerns is asked to contact Chief of Police, George Ricci, directly at 973-680-4075.”

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