1 week from today during National Road Safety Week the Mayor of the City of Ottawa proclaimed May 18th would be Crossing Guard Appreciation Day in Ottawa.
With over 3 million safe crossings at 200 locations every year, Adult Crossing Guards important in keeping our children safe in school zones and a reminder to drivers slow down and pay extra attention. They are seen by the children on their daily commute as heroes, keeping an eye out for everyone’s wellbeing. Not all heroes wear capes…. some wear high visibility vests!
The first ever in Ottawa – Crossing Guard Appreciation Day – included an event on Friday, May 18 at Roch Carrier Elementary School in Kanata. City Councilors, representatives from the Ottawa Safety Council, the City of Ottawa, Ottawa Police Services, Ottawa Public Health, Crossing Guards and students were in attendance, as well as Mayor Jim Watson who made the official proclamation.
This year, to celebrate the proclamation, Ottawa’s Favourite Crossing Guard 2018 was announced. Ottawa’s favourite Crossing Guard is awarded the Marie Armstrong Crossing Guard Award Plaque and a cash prize of $500, generously donated by the late Marie Armstrong’s family in honour or Marie, who was a Guard for over a decade and “cared deeply for their little souls and never missed a day for fear that some child might need her.” – James Miller (Marie’s Grandson)
The winner of the award this year is Dennis Bresee, who displays a passion for his role and goes above and beyond in keeping his community safe. He is reliable, dedicated and great at his job! He has been an Adult Crossing Guard for 7 years and watches over two intersections daily in Stittsville for students at Guardian Angels C.S., Westwind P.S. and Stittsville P.S.
Here are some more amazing things said by his community:
“Dennis is friendly and always there to greet my children and help them cross safely. I am a shift worker and sometimes can’t accompany them when they leave in the mornings. I live very close to the crossing and it’s comforting to know that Dennis is always there to help my son and daughter get to and from school safely.” – Parent
“I am new at riding my bike to school. Dennis helps my friends and I across the road morning and afternoon every day. He is very friendly and kind. My parents are more comfortable with me riding to and from school every day knowing that crossing guards like Dennis are helping my friends and I cross busy streets or intersections. Thank you.” – Student
“The crossing guard is always there with a smile on his face. He takes his role seriously in ensuring parents, children and neighbors are able to cross what is a very busy intersection in the morning and afternoon in a safe manner. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated individual – sun, rain, sleet or snow!” – School Faculty
