(WTAQ) – Two words, slow down.
It’s a simple reminder but comes with heightened importance as roads will be filled with kids in the morning and afternoon as schools across the state prepare to start another year.
The first day of school for most districts is next Tuesday, but the crossing guards responsible for keeping children safe in the street are using this week to make sure they are prepared for another school year.
But who are these individuals responsible for keeping area kids safe on their way to and from school every day?
Stewart Zuehls with the Neenah Police Department describes the most popular background of his staff.
“Majority of the staff is actually retirees,” he explains. “Some of them live within a couple of blocks so they can ride their bikes.”
Dale Haagen of the De Pere Police Department also has a primarily “senior” staff and says they become very close with the kids.
“They actually refer to the kids at their intersection as my kids,” he explains. “They really develop that relationship with them.”
These crossing guards are responsible for ensuring students safety, but they require the cooperation of motorists.
Haagen stresses the point that it’s everyone’s safety at risk.
“A lot of time we focus on the safety of our kids, but maybe don’t pay as much attention to other people’s kids,” he says.
Zuehls describes the simple steps drivers can take to ensure the safety of both children and crossing guard alike.
“Set your phone down, pay attention, turn your radio down,” he explains. “Let’s give everyone a break out there.”
Some schools in the state have already started and drivers should keep an eye out for the bright green or orange vests of crossing guards.
