By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
Pennsauken Mayor Patrick Olivo and members of Township Committee recognized the town’s crossing guards with a special proclamation for their dedication to keeping the community’s children safe, particularly during the snowstorm on Jan. 25.
“The Township of Pennsauken is deeply grateful for the dedicated men and women who serve as our crossing guards, faithfully protecting the safety and wellbeing of our children each and every school day,” read Mayor Olivo during the Feb. 19 Township Committee meeting. “Winter Storm Fern brought heavy snowfall and hazardous conditions. Despite the difficult and frigid conditions, Pennsauken’s crossing guards reported for duty with unwavering commitment, placing the safety of our students above all else. Many went above and beyond the call of duty by voluntarily shoveling snow and clearing corners, crosswalks, and sidewalks to ensure safe passage for children and families traveling to and from school. Your dedication in the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern reflects the very best of Pennsauken and serves as a reminder that public service is not just a job, but a calling grounded in care for others.”
“This snowstorm was unlike anything we’ve experienced in recent years, and the challenges it created were felt across our entire community,” added Township Committeewoman Jessica Rafeh, who serves as Pennsauken’s Director of Public Safety. “Through it all, you remained steady, ensuring the safe passage of our precious children. Our crossing guards have one of the most important jobs in this community, protecting what matters most to all of us. And whether in the aftermath of a storm or on the warmest sunny days, you carry out that responsibility with care and dedication. Thank you for all that you do every day you show up to work. We appreciate each and every one of you.”
“I’d like to congratulate the crossing guards. That winter storm was something that we hadn’t seen in a long time,” said Deputy Mayor Vince Martinez. “Even one was famous on Facebook, caught in action actually shoveling the snow.”
“The crossing guards’ job so important to our community. The work that they put in is just amazing. They are so devoted and dedicated to their community and we’re so proud,” continued Committeewoman Nicole Roberts. “It was such an honor to be able to give them that that proclamation. They so deserve it.”
“Thank you to everything that our crossing guards have done for our residents, especially our kids,” added Committeeman Marco DiBattista. “Nothing’s more important to us than the children in our community. It means a lot to have people that care that much.”
The Pennsauken crossing guards recognized were Robert Bacon, Diamond Benson, Nelly Berroa, Connie Blevins, Joyce Brocchi, Vicky Cubberley, Ronald Dickerson, Jay T. Doskis, Steven Eisensmith, Diana Falana, James Garrow, Domingo Gonzalez, Michael Hickey, Charles Holland, Nathaniel Jones, Tina Kranefeld, Sandra McCarron, Barbara McCloskey, Elris McCoy, Carol Mercado, Florence Mignogna, Andrew Mosiniak, Barbara Mount, Brian Mount, Edward Mount, Charles Murphy, Grace O’Brien, Pat O’Brien, Edward Paolini, Nancy Paolini, Ana Santiago, Kathryn Sereni, Janie Smith, Sheila Smith, Gloria Sosa, Jose Sosa, Monserrate Soto, Cecilia Stevenson, Richard Still, Rita Tahenakos, Carm Taylor, Rochelle Turner, Charles Witherspoon and Jane Yavis.
