Headline Surfer photos® / Crossing guard Donna Bryant helps second grader Tyrek Colley, 7, cross Ronnac Lane at Palm Street in front of the Chisholm Elementary School in New Smyrna Beach to open the 2011-'12 school year in Volusia County. DAYTONA BEACH -- They're out there every day with their green uniforms, and flourescent orange and yellow vests with the Volusia County Sheriff's emblem on their backs, ensuring students have a safe journey to and from the nearby elementary schools.
"Yet many residents may not take the time to thank Volusia’s school crossing guards for their service to the community," Sheriff's spokesman Gary Davidson told Headline Su4rfer®. "This Friday, however, is a day to do just that as the annual school crossing guard appreciation day is observed here in Volusia County and throughout the state."
Their first priority is making sure that young students safely get across bustling roadways as they walk and bike to and from school each day. However, being a school crossing guard is much more than that.
Crossing guards also help promote safety awareness for the motoring public and teach elementary school children good pedestrian safety habits as well. With Friday’s annual recognition coming up, Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson -- who employs approximately 115 school crossing guards -- recently wrote the guards a letter to tell them just how much he appreciates them.
“This hard-earned and well-deserved recognition gives me the perfect opportunity to express my gratitude for the exceptional job you do each day,” Sheriff Johnson wrote. “Every day you are there -- rain or shine, on freezing cold mornings and on hot, humid afternoons -- protecting our most precious resource.”
Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson wrote a letter of appreciation to the 115 crossing guards under his employ for theitr dedication to child safety near the county's elementary schools.
“This hard-earned and well-deserved recognition gives me the perfect opportunity to express my gratitude for the exceptional job you do each day,” Sheriff Johnson wrote. “Every day you are there -- rain or shine, on freezing cold mornings and on hot, humid afternoons -- protecting our most precious resource.”
Gov. Rick Scott signed a proclamation declaring Friday as school crossing guard appreciation day throughout Florida.
And the Volusia County Council also added its own proclamation and words of praise, urging local residents to express their appreciation for the guards and the job they do.
“School crossing guards provide a valuable service to our community…,” states the Council’s proclamation.