The Police Department is looking for a few good men and women to don bright orange vests in September to help children get to school safely.
By: Sarah Winkelman
The Police Department is looking for a few good men and women to don bright orange vests in September to help children get to school safely.
Early Monday morning, this year’s group of crossing guards gathered in the municipal building for a mandatory two-hour training session. Sgt. Thomas Macheda and traffic officer Rich Dziminski welcomed the group.
"It’s a mandatory course the crossing guards have to take every year," Sgt. Macheda said. "We go over school crossing procedures, show them a video and go over administrative details."
The 16 crossing guards in attendance got a binder with information about school crossing procedures, state traffic guard training, what to do in case of an injury, full-day schedules and half-day schedules, school hours and holidays for the different schools in the township.
"We cover the Lawrence public schools, Notre Dame and St. Ann’s School," Sgt. Macheda said.
Anthony Sebasto, a Drexel Avenue resident, has been a crossing guard for the past four years. A retired Navy welder who worked on nuclear submarines, Mr. Sebasto works the Route 206 and Eggerts Crossing Road route.
"I love the kids," he said. "They’re great. I also love the people who live on the corner where I cross the kids. They are wonderful people."
Mr. Sebasto helps kids cross the street in the morning and afternoon.
Before becoming a school crossing guard, Mr. Sebasto spent three years working as a custodian in the municipal building. He decided it was time for a change and was put in contact with Lt. William Nester, who asked him if he would be interested in becoming a school crossing guard.
"It’s been great," he said about his three years as a crossing guard. "The cops are really great guys."
Johnson Avenue resident J.T. Merriweather has worked the Route 206 and Gainsboro Road route for the past seven years. After retiring from General Motors, he worked the Notre Dame route for a few years.
"They keep moving me down (Route) 206," he said.
Mr. Merriweather crosses the kids going to Eldridge Park, the middle school and the high school.
"I love the kids, number one," he said. "I enjoy talking with them and seeing them to and from school safely. You have to love kids to stay out there as long as I have. I’ll continue being a crossing guard for as long as I can."
Mr. Merriweather also works on Sundays at the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville on Route 206, helping church-goers cross the street.
"They are such nice people there and they look forward to seeing me every weekend," Mr. Merriweather said. "A lot of people told me they appreciate being able to cross the road safely."
The pay rate for crossing guards is $12 per hour, including a uniform allowance. Vest, gloves, stop signs, cones and an identification card are provided.
The Police Department always needs more crossing guards. If interested, please contact Sgt. Macheda at 896-1111 or 896-0225.