NORFOLK, Va. - Calling all crossing guards!
The Norfolk Police Department is looking to hire crossing guards to guide students across the street as they come and go from our city schools.
The department posted a photo to Twitter that reads, "Not all superheroes wear capes!...some wear traffic vests!" School crossing guards get paid $12 an hour and work flexible shifts, according to the post.
News 3 spoke to Rachel Humphrey, who has been a school crossing guard in Norfolk for three years. She said she feels the importance of her job every day.
"There are three places you want your children to be safe: Home, school and the in-between - I’m the in-between," said Humphrey.
Rachel Humphrey
Guards work one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon on weekdays. Humphrey said the police department works with you if you have transportation restrictions and want to work at a school within walking distance to your home. Guards can sign up to work parades, road races and other community events if they so choose.
The Norfolk Police Department gives crossing guards a shirt, vest, pants and rain gear, along with their own stop sign and whistle. Humphrey works at an elementary school now, and said she loves seeing her kids every day and knowing their parents trust her with their care.
"In this day and age we have distracted drivers, distracted children and everybody is walking in a fog. It’s the crossing guard who keeps that fog away from all the distractions that might hurt your child," she said.
Humphrey was a merchant sailor for 30 years, and after retiring she wanted to not only do something that gave back to the community, but something that would also help her stay active. This seemed like the perfect fit, and she encourages other retirees to give it a try.
"It’s a bond, and I don’t ever want to break it. It's something I love to do and I'm very passionate about. It's my calling, and it can be other people's calling as well."
For those interested in applying, call Norfolk Police - they are looking to hire 45 more guards as soon as possible.
You can find out more about the openings here.
