Crossing-guard shortage in Vandergrift forces police officers into duty

A shortage of school crossing guards in Vandergrift has forced more borough police officers to step off their beats to cover the shifts.

The schedule became tighter last month with the resignation of full-time crossing guard JoAnn Hazlett. The borough now has four full-time and one part-time crossing guards.

Previously, police occasionally have filled in for guards who called in sick. With the current staffing situation, police are pulling daily duty at intersections, monitoring the safe passage of children.

“We’re in dire need of guards,” Vandergrift police Chief Joseph Caporali said at Monday’s borough council meeting, where Hazlett’s resignation was officially accepted.

On Tuesday, Officer Jerrod Thompson was at the corner of Hancock Avenue and Walnut Street handling crossing duties.

“This is ongoing,” Thompson said of having to fill in for absent guards. “I do like seeing the kids, though.”

Thompson helped about 40 youngsters cross the busy intersection Monday.

“It’s very important for the safety of our kids that we have guards,” Thompson said. “A lot of kids come through here without their parents, and that’s the scary part.”

Caporali said the scenario is not optimal because, if an officer is called away on an emergency, another officer has to fill in. In an urgent situation calling for heavier police coverage, a crosswalk could be left unattended.

Crossing guards in the borough are paid a monthly rate of $330 for full-time work, or $8.75 per hour if working part-time.

The borough is responsible for paying the guards. Kiski Area School District reimburses the borough for 50% of the charges.

Caporali said time requirements for the job total about an hour per school day.

“It’s about a half-hour in the morning and again in the afternoon,” Caporali said.

Applicants must be 18 or older, pass a criminal background check and obtain all Pennsylvania child clearances. There is no educational requirement.

Caporali said the job attracts younger people and retirees.

All guards receive on-the-job training from the Vandergrift Police Department. An officer helps new hires during their initial shifts.

Hazlett’s resignation has left a gap in coverage at Hancock Avenue and Walnut Street.

“That’s a busy intersection, and the safety of the children is paramount,” Caporali said.

Crossing guard applicants may apply in person at the borough office, 109 Grant Ave.