GRANDVILLE, Mich. — When people of back to school, the first things that often come to mind are school supplies, bus drivers and making sure their kid has a folder color for each subject.
However, parents may not think about crossing guards. Their job is essential, and the Grandville Police Department has taken many steps to make sure there are enough to get kids safely to and from school.
"I was approached by one of our fellow officers here who needed a position filled at one of our posts for crossing guard this morning, and I happily accept it," said Grandville police officer Devin Terpstra. "It's a joy to work with kids."
Happy to help kids get a bright start to their day, community members were also happy to see their police department filling in the role.
"I know we had been looking for crossing guards and this young gentleman stepped up," said Amy Miller Gardine in a post on a Grandville community page, referring to Terpstra.
"Especially getting a new school year, [the students are] all excited and nervous," said Terpstra. "We hand out some stickers to try and show our appreciation, and give them little junior officers safety stickers, and yeah, they give us high fives and smile."
There are nine crossing guard posts across the city of Grandville, each needing to be manned to ensure kids can cross safely at the start and end of each school day.
"We have crossing guards and some substitute crossing guards. When those don't get filled in the mornings, they go to our school resource officer, our school resource officer, then if he's not available, will give it to us to see if we're available to cover the road, and we take it from there," Terpstra explained.
While the city is actively looking for more people to serve a crossing guards, Grandville Police say drivers also need to get back into their school routine as well.
"Keep your eyes peeled," said Terpstra, "Remember to keep the speed limits down. It Is 25 in school zones, keep your speeds down and look out for crossing guards and kids cross the roads."
Those interested in applying to be a crossing guard can find that information here on the City of Grandville website.