Safe Crossings – Dawson protects our kids for 27 years

Wayne Police Chief Jason Wright presents Pat Dawson with a plaque to honor her 27 years of service as a crossing guard.

By Jenny Johnson
She has been on the job protecting the children of Wayne for 27 years. Just before Christmas Pat Dawson retired from her job with the City of Wayne as the crossing guard supervisor.
“I’ve loved it,” she said.
She began as a substitute crossing guard at Schweitzer Elementary School. Over the years she crossed children at all of the elementary schools in Wayne. She was even at Monroe Elementary before it closed.
Dawson lives in Wayne and was a para professional for the school district and found she had some spare time. The crossing guard position requires being on your corner twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon to safely cross children on their way to and from school. Guards are on duty for one hour a day, five days a week.
“I just enjoyed it. I loved the kids like my own,” she said.
In 1993 she was promoted to supervisor and was in charge of four crossing guards–two at Taft-Galloway and one each at Schweitzer and Hoover, plus the substitute guards.
“They all do a great job,” she said.  “It’s a good job.”
Dawson has a great reason for retiring. Her first grandchild is on the way and she is looking forward to spending quality time with the new arrival.
For anyone considering a job as a crossing guard Dawson has some advice.
“Be on time,” she said.