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Safety is in numbers with Pinellas crossing guards
By LONN TURNER
Article published on Thursday, Aug. 2, 2007 |
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![[Image]](/content_images/080207_pco-03.jpg) |
| Photo by BOB MCCLURE |
| Denice Regali works as a crossing guard at the corner of Seminole Boulevard and 102nd Avenue in Seminole. |
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PINELLAS COUNTY – Stuck in traffic before 7 a.m. and only two blocks from her house, a mother takes her daughter to school in fear of her crossing a busy street in the dark.
Streets perceived dangerous have led to growing numbers of parents driving their children to school. However, there is peace of mind associated with helping people out. It is through the aid of school crossing guards.
Proven effective, seldom have there been accidents at locations with crossing guards, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, which oversees the county’s crossing guard program.
In the early 1970s, crossing guards were volunteers and very limited in number. Mothers and concerned parents spoke out concerning their kids getting to and from school safely.
As years passed, police departments realized the need for the service. Programs were implemented, more crossing guards were enlisted and it became a paying position.
Now, Pinellas County has more than 188 crossing guards covering more than 206 crossings.
Crossing guards serve where roads may or have proven to be dangerous.
Real property and area committees meet to talk about various crossings. Pinellas County has placements of crossing guards with high need, where popular, and dangerous streets where new students are likely to be walking. When possible, two-mile walk boundaries are met, hazardous roads have guards, and where kids cross to enter or exit their bus.
“Crossing guards do this because they care and love what they do,” said Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Robert Kinchen, a crossing guard supervisor. “They prove to be positive role models for the students.”
Typically, grades K-6 have guards provided. Some middle schools and high schools also use crossing guards.
“Drivers of cars don’t always see little ones on bikes. It’s very important to make sure they get to and from school safely,” said crossing guard Laura Vaughan of Seminole.
Additionally, crossing guards often go beyond the call of duty, from helping elderly residents cross intersections to keeping an eye out for suspicious vehicles.
“It is a program that has specific criteria and has the police department’s backing,” said Sharon Lough, a crossing guard supervisor for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. “The process is well thought out and is taken very seriously.”
Active crossing guards are expected to keep their certifications current with Florida’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program. Training classes are eight hours and recertification is four hours.
Pinellas County recently was awarded Training Program of the Year by the Florida Department of Transportation.
Crossing guards are fingerprinted, tested for drugs, and given vision and hearing evaluations. They also may undergo a polygraph test.
Interested persons can apply through the Human Resources office. Call 582-6208.
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Article published on Thursday, Aug. 2, 2007
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