Seminole County Sheriff’s Office crossing guard program tops in Sunshine State

Sheriff Don Eslinger ecstatic for employees;  2nd time honored in three years

Carl the Crosasing Bear emphasizes safety in Seminole County, FL crosswalks / Headline Surfer®Seminole County Sheriff's Crossing guards tops in Florida for safety / Headline Surfer®Photo for Headline Surfer® / 
Florida Department of Transportation representative Dana Crosby, shown at podium, presents the top Florida school safety award award to Seminole County Crossing Guard Supervisor Jojo Sturm.  At far left, Carl the Crossing Bear is near and dear to Seminole County school children in this Halloween pose as part of emphasis on pedestrian safety.
 

SANFORD, Fla. -- When it comes to the safety of children in the crosswalks, Seminole County's crossing guards are all business.

And for the due diligence of the dedicated personnel to that end, the Seminole County Sheriff's School Crossing Guard Program has been named 2013 “Florida School Crossing Guard Program of the Year” by the Florida Department of Transportation.

The SCSO Program took home top honors for exceptional performance and proactive community outreach and education programs. The program was recognized by FDOT officials at a recent an awards banquet in Sanford.

This is the second time in three years, the local program has received state accolades. The program received the same distinction in 2011.

“We are very proud of our guards for the work they do to ensure the safety of our school children,” Seminole County Sheriff Sheriff Don Eslinger told Headline Surfer®. “Whether rain or shine, they are there every day helping students, and we appreciate their commitment and their dedication.

Seminole Counrty Sheriff Don Eslinger excstatic his agency's crossing guards recognized as tops in Sunshine State / Headline Surfer®Seminole County Sheriff Don Eslinger is ecstatic with honore bestowed on his agency's 128 school crossing guards.

“We are very proud of our guards for the work they do to ensure the safety of our school children,” Seminole County Sheriff Sheriff Don Eslinger told Headline Surfer®. “Whether rain or shine, they are there every day helping students, and we appreciate their commitment and their dedication.

SCSO crossing guards implemented a new safety program entitled “Carl’s Safe Crossing Campaign” which utilizes a mascot, Carl the Crossing Bear, to teach students safe crossing techniques.

The guards also hold regular “Safety Zone” campaigns, waving signs in school zone areas to remind motorists to slow down and use caution.

Additionally, the guards have secured donations of bicycle helmets and cold weather clothing to provide to local students in need.

The SCSO School Crossing Guard Program has 128 crossing guards who cover posts at 35 elementary schools, 12 middle schools and one high school. The FDOT certifies school crossing guard trainers statewide. Each year, FDOT recognizes the accomplishments of programs, guards and trainers across the state.

The first Friday of each February is recognized as Florida’s Crossing Guard Appreciation Day.