Let’s take a moment today to say a very public thank-you to two unsung groups of heroes that are the backbone of the education transportation system.
Of course as kids head back to school this week, we offer our thanks as well to the teachers, E.A.’s, Administrators and Support Staff that makes the system run smoothly, but where would any of us be without our bus drivers and our crossing guards.
Bus drivers are getting up long before daybreak, especially in the winter, to make sure their rigs are in proper working order. They are hitting the road in some cases before the plows come out and are expected to display the utmost in patience, vigilance and reliability.
Both bus drivers and crossing guards have to be very wary of people not paying attention. They put themselves at risk everyday to guide and protect our children, and the risk is very real as we discovered in Belleville.
In April of 2012, Crossing Guard Norman Cole died after he was hit at his crossing at Sidney Street and Leland Drive. He was on duty at the time.
As many people get more impatient, distracted and sometimes reckless behind the wheel, hundreds of crossing guards across the region face this same threat every time they put up a stop sign and step into the street.
We owe it to them to make their jobs as easy as possible, to be patient when traffic comes to a stop, and to give them a hearty wave when we see them out protecting our future.
It’s a simple lesson. Schools don’t run without bus drivers and crossing guards, and they deserve our respect.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
(PAUL MARTIN)
