The Fox Valley Metro Police Department recently said Little Chute and Kimberly schools only have ten school crossing guards and no backups right now. That makes it difficult should a crossing guard call-in sick, requiring patrol officers to take over those posts to get students to and from their schools safely.
Here in Manitowoc, Police Chief Nick Reimer tells Seehafer News recruiting crossing guards has always been difficult, but retaining them has been something we’ve been pretty lucky at doing.
“At the Manitowoc Police Department, we have a dedicated group of crossing guards that year after year continue to do the job so we’ve been lucky in that sense. But, there’s not a lot of people waiting in line to apply for some of our substitute positions.”
Many guards tend to be retirees while some of them support other jobs. Regardless, Reimer said, “they’re invaluable.”
“They provide a service to the community more specifically for our schools and kids out there and allow them to cross the street safely. Operators of vehicles really recognize crossing guards and understand their importance, so having that visual reference to make sure that people there are kids in the area and you need to stop and let them cross.”
The Manitowoc police chief said crossing guards are so dedicated and they develop relationships with these kids, adding they see them with smiling faces every morning and afternoon.
Every year a Recognition Appreciation Breakfast is held by the Golden-K to honor the crossing guards.
