A crossing guard from Prince William County was awarded for his service to the community.
Prince William County Police Department Crossing Guard Roger Talley was one of six crossing guards that was given the ‘Outstanding Crossing Guard’ for 2016-2017 by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
Talley has been working at the intersection of Darbydale Avenue and Eastlawn Avenue for more than 15 years, according to a release.
More on Talley, from a release:
Tally, who retired from Arlington County after 35 years of laying asphalt, landscaping, building bus shelters and removing graffiti, seems to take the job as seriously as he appears to enjoy it.
“I love the job. I love the kids. When these kids come across here, they’re mine. They’re my kids. Their safety is my priority.”
In a letter announcing Tally’s accomplishment, Robert J. Williams, VDOT’s Safe Routes to Schools Program coordinator, wrote that Tally received 39 nominations that came mostly from students. “It is obvious that Mr. Tally is a role model and an outstanding crossing guard for Hampton Middle School. His commanding yet welcoming voice and pleasant personality play a big role at Hampton Middle School. Mr. Tally comes in at the beginning of each school year to talk to students about the importance of following the safety rules when walking to school. He greets every student that crosses towards school, and even other pedestrians, such as those heading to the public bus. He encourages and entertains the students in his brief daily contacts.”
Williams went on to write that students described him as, “probably the best crossing guard any school in the county can have” and “the best crossing guard in the world.”
Lt. Marie Snyder, Prince William Police Crossing Guard Bureau, said 71 crossing guards were nominated statewide. “We’re delighted he won.”
