Flagler Sheriff Urges More Heroes: Join Our Crossing Guard Team!

Flagler Beach, Florida, United States - On June 5, a special luncheon was hosted to honor the dedicated school crossing guards of Flagler County. Sheriff Rick Staly took a moment during the event to recognize their essential role in maintaining safety for children as they navigate their way to and from school. Currently, the Sheriff’s Office employs about ten crossing guards but is actively seeking more to fill this vital position, which has grown increasingly important in light of rising traffic concerns.

The presence of crossing guards has become more crucial than ever. While children once walked to school more frequently—50% just thirty years ago—today that figure has plummeted to a mere 15%. This shift, coupled with heightened traffic in school zones, has left many areas ill-prepared for the volumes of cars and pedestrians interacting daily, according to MEL Safety Institute. The dangers that crossing guards face have multiplied, with injury rates climbing by 65% over the past decade. In fact, pedestrian deaths rose by 12% between 2020 and 2021, and 17% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. involve pedestrians.

The Role of Crossing Guards

Crossing guards are not just there to lend a hand; they are a buffer between children and the hustle and bustle of traffic. Sheriff Staly likened their responsibility to that of mail carriers, emphasizing that crossing guards brave various weather conditions and sometimes aggressive motorists. “It’s challenging,” he said, referring to the occasional inappropriate gestures crossing guards must handle. Despite these hurdles, many crossing guards are retirees looking to contribute to their communities while earning extra income. For those interested in joining this crucial workforce, the Sheriff’s Office can be reached at 386-437-4116.

While the Sheriff’s Office manages the crossing guards, they are paid by the school district and typically work during key school hours—start and dismissal—but the demand for additional personnel is evident. Training provided by the Sheriff’s Office includes supplies like whistles and high-visibility vests, vital tools for ensuring that children are escorted safely across busy streets.

Challenges and Safety Concerns

Despite the increasing efforts to enhance safety for both children and crossing guards, the numbers tell a concerning story. A study conducted in Toronto, referenced in NCBI, explored the effect of newly implemented school crossing guards on pedestrian-motor vehicle collision rates. Surprisingly, the study found that the introduction of crossing guards did not significantly change safety outcomes; in fact, a majority of pedestrian incidents occurred outside school travel times. This suggests a pressing need for more permanent safety interventions rather than relying solely on the presence of crossing guards.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is actively responding to these statistics, not only by seeking to recruit more crossing guards but also by emphasizing the importance of their safety. As the community faces a landscape where aggressive driving is increasingly common, the role of the crossing guard becomes even more essential—a duty that is filled with both challenge and nobility. With continued outreach and education, we can hope for a safer environment for our children and those who protect them.