Sheriff Judd to Monitor School Crossing in Honor of School Crossing Appreciation Day

In recognition of School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, Sheriff Grady Judd will monitor the school crossing located at 540A and Carter Road in South Lakeland this Friday, Feb. 4, 2005.

Starting at 2:30 p.m. this Friday, Sheriff Judd will be on hand to help children safely cross the street at the 540A/Carter Road crossing.  Additionally, in recognition of the vital service school crossing guards provide, the Polk County Sheriff's Office School Crossing Section will host the annual School Crossing Guard Recognition Luncheon this Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, at the W.H. Stuart Conference Center located on South US Highway 17 in Bartow.

School crossing guards encourage students to cross at proper intersections. Guards also provide information regarding pedestrian and bicycle safety. School crossing guards are frequently, but not limited to, retired residents who feel a sense of community commitment. Deputies often rely on school crossing guards to advise them of traffic problems in the communities surrounding school crossings. Crossing guards also have been able to provide important information regarding criminal events occurring in their assigned areas.

At the luncheon, over 200 school crossing guards will be recognized for their dedicated and faithful service to the Polk County Sheriff's Office and the community. School crossing guards cross approximately 15,000 children every school year at 164 crossings throughout the county.