S.O.S. from Fairfield P.D.: Crossing Guards Needed!

S.O.S. from Fairfield P.D.: 
Crossing Guards Needed!

Department seeks 

qualified applicants

By Mike Lauterborn

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

9/15/11

Fairfield, CT – Fairfield Police Lt. Jim Perez has issued an A.P.B…. for Crossing Guards that is.

“There are currently 15 posts and we need three stand-bys and one full-time Guard to adequately cover our needs across town. Three guards just left us suddenly,” he said, speaking to members of the press this week at 100 Reef Road police headquarters. The Crossing Guard program is a police responsibility.

“The economy might be bad, but school Crossing Guards are still in demand,” he said. “We need responsible people to help kids get safely from home to school and back.”

Perez explained that every school gets a Guard and that currently there were shortages at Holland Hill, Mill Hill and Stratfield. “There’s no age limit, you should have no record, you must be reliable and loyal, and have an understanding of the complexities of dealing with children and/or parents,” he said.

Perez introduced Tony Gamberdella, who is the coordinator of the Crossing Guard program and was himself a Crossing Guard for about 11 years. Now he handles the screening of candidates, assignments and payroll. “Guards are doing more than just crossing kids,” Gamberdella said, “they’re keeping them safe.”

The coordinator said, “I knew every kid on a first name basis. We take our role very seriously. People take us for granted but Guards are an integral part of the community. And you get to love these kids, you see them grow up. They come back to visit you when they get to high school. It’s rewarding as hell.”

Crossing Guards are paid a day rate of $50 – a “day” is roughly two hours. To apply, go to Fairfield Police headquarters, to the Special Services Division (the Parking Tickets window). Ask for the Town of Fairfield Employee Application.