Crossing guards receive deserving recognition this week

Milwaukee is joining communities across Wisconsin in commemorating “Adult Crossing Guard Recognition Week” – Jan. 12-16.

Ald. Terry L. Witkowski, chair of the Common Council’s Public Safety Committee, said the state Department of Public Instruction officially proclaimed Adult Crossing Guard Recognition Week. He said the recognition is well-deserved for the men and women “who ensure the safe passage of our youngest, most vulnerable pedestrians, children walking between school and home.”

“For more than six decades, adult school crossing guards have served in the City of Milwaukee and across Wisconsin, helping to drive down the rates of young pedestrian deaths and injuries, despite steady increases in traffic volume,” he said. “What’s more, they too often must perform their duties during inclement and harsh winter weather and while dealing with impatient motorists.”

“Please take a moment this week and tell an adult school crossing guard how much you appreciate their service – even if it is just a friendly wave,” Witkowski said.

Milwaukee’s adult school crossing guards are trained and managed by the Milwaukee Police Department’s Safety Division.

Witkowski said adult crossing guards also teach and exemplify safe street crossing behaviors and reinforce the importance of traffic and pedestrian safety to youth. The alderman has co-sponsored a Common Council commendatory resolution sponsored by Council President Michael J. Murphy, recognizing Adult Crossing Guard Recognition Week in the City of Milwaukee.

The commendatory resolution will be before the full Council on Jan. 21.