Two locals are among the top four most exceptional crossing guards in the country as chosen by a national safety organization.
Dale Martin, a crossing guard for London's Jack Chambers Public School and Gerry Brown, a guard for East Lambton Elementary School in Watford are among those selected.
The winners of the 2014 Canada's Favourite Crossing Guard Contest are people who "have made a difference in the lives of students in their own local communities and who have gone beyond the call of duty."
The finalists are nominated by schools, students, teachers and parents and the winners are then selected by a group of safety, community and private sector leaders.
The contest is part of the 'Walk This Way' pedestrian safety program and is in its ninth year, an initiative of Parachute, a not-for-profit that is working for an injury-free Canada.
Louise Logan, president and CEO of Parachute, said in a statement, “Canada’s Favourite Crossing Guard Contest allows us to celebrate the important contributions made by these women and men in our communities...These four individuals, along with crossing guards across the country, go to work every day, rain or shine, snow or slush, to help children make it safely across the road. They deserve to be applauded for their great work."
The winners receive a crystal maple leaf award, a coat that identifies the winner as one of Canada’s Favourite Crossing Guards, and $500. As well, each school will receive $500 provided by FedEx Express Canada.
The other two winners were Peter Atienza of Oriole Park Public School in Toronto and Penny Easter for Brock Collegiate Institute in Brockville, Ont.
