Beloved Crossing Guard Honored for 48 Years of Service

Forty eight years ago, crossing guard Theresa Ragusky never even dreamt of a day where she would see her name brandished above a street sign.

But after decades of tireless service, the Hackettstown Police Department, along with the town council, decided to designate her frequently traveled "workstation" as "Ragusky Corner" on Tuesday to mark her retirement.

Township officials held a ceremony at the corner of Center and Washington Streets to display their gratitude for Ragusky's long, efficacious career. About a dozen people showed up to witness the event, along with students and faculty members from Hackettstown Middle School.

“We’d like to extend our sincerest appreciation to Mrs. Ragusky for her 48 years of service,” said Hackettstown Police Chief James Macaulay. “There were always a few crossings we didn’t have to regularly check…and Mrs. Ragusky’s was one of them.”

Ragusky, 82, first started working as a guard after a woman had mentioned that there was an opening for the position. Happily, Ragusky took the position after it was approved by the police chief.

“I enjoyed it from day one, even in all sorts of weather,” she said.

During the ceremony, the police chief went on to say that Ragusky will be “sorely missed by not only the police department, but by everyone she’s touched over the years.” Before Sgt. Darren Tynan climbed a small ladder to unveil the new street sign, Hackettstown Mayor Maria DiGiovanni said a few words.

“I’m sure everyone here, including parents, appreciate all the work you’ve done,” she said to Ragusky. “You always had a smile on your face, especially in getting everyone moving everyday. You will always be remembered.”

Tynan explained that it was “great having Mrs. Ragusky as a crossing guard."

"She crossed me during middle school and then, oddly, I became her boss as head of the crossing guard unit," he said. "It was great to have her as an employee of sorts. I never had to think twice about her being on her corner…rain, snow, you name it!”

“We’re going to miss her a lot. She crossed both of my children and is just a great friend," Kim Smith, a fellow crossing guard, said.

Ragusky was proud of the work she put into the job.

“I’m really going to miss it here. I wish I could have made 50 years. I got close!” she said.

Taking in the gratifying moments, Ragusky said quietly, “I never thought this would happen, not to me!”

DiGiovanni said the students in attendance at Tuesday's ceremony were just a small sampling of the young lives that had been touched by Ragusky.

"She served the town well and became a staple for students and parents," DiGiovanni said. "We wish her well.”

Ragusky’s grandson, Chris, also expressed his pride.

“I am just the proudest grandson," he said. "I couldn’t be happier for what she’s done in this town.”

Ragusky now lives in Liberty with her daughter, Carol. When asked if she will enjoy retirement, she quickly said, “Well, yes and no.”

As for "Ragusky Corner," fellow crossing guards are unsure who will replace the beloved guard's stomping ground.