Crossing Guards, The Unsung Heroes of Our Busy Streets

Regardless of the weather, crossing guards, the unsung heroes of our streets, are doing their jobs every day to ensure the safety of Garden City's children.

Inspector Kenneth Jackson, deputy commanding officer of the Garden City Police Department, said, "Our crossing guards are there for a specific reason - safety." He advises that all children and parents should utilize crossing guards and heed their advice.

Crossing guards work under the auspices of the police department and receive on-the-job training with an officer. They must meet civil service guidelines, undergo a stringent police background check and meet hearing and visual requirements.  

Currently, there are 10 crossing guards in Garden City that service seven schools.  Each guard has a morning and afternoon shift.

"We have an all-female staff right now, most of them are local moms who appreciate the flexibility and hours of the job,"  Jackson said.  

The most difficult part of the job is to be aware of surrounding activity at all times -  including motorists, traffic situations, pedestrians - while monitoring school crossings. The more heavily trafficked territories require monitoring of two busy corners such as Rockaway and Stewart avenues at Garden City Middle School.  

Crossing guards are encouraged to speak to the children about good crossing tips and remind students to utilize the crossing guard. "There is a high volume of traffic at most of the schools and crossing with the crossing guard is vital," Jackson said.

He also wants to advise the community that crossing guards are considered a person of authority and they in fact represent the village police force. When they are on duty, they are the eyes and ears of the department.

"Crossing guards have been instrumental in helping us make arrests by identifying suspects," Jackson said.

He praises the collaborative union between the school district and police department.

"Garden City school principals are very supportive. When issues arise we are able to have an open dialogue. We listen to their suggestions and work with them. They are always positive and helpful," Jackson said.   

Stratford School Principal Diane Hopkins concurs, "Our primary concern is the safety of the children and it is comforting to know that we have such vigilant crossing guards. The children are well taken care of."

The students who depend on seeing their crossing guard every day are intuitively aware of the value of their presence. When asked why she likes having a crossing guard at her school, Kara Acinapuro, a third grader at Stratford, said, "There are a lot of buses and traffic around here!"

Her brother, Philip, nodding in agreement, added, "Our crossing guard always greets us in the morning and says goodbye when we leave."

Mom, Bev Acinapuro, is hopeful that next year her two children will walk home together and is comforted by the crossing guard's presence.