A Clay County school crossing guard is in serious condition after being struck by a car while attempting to stop traffic, according to the Orange Park Police Department.
It happened early Aug. 18 at Gano Avenue and Miller Street in Orange Park.
The crossing guard was actively stopping traffic on Miller when a vehicle turning onto the street from Gano struck her. She was wearing a high-visibility traffic vest and holding a stop sign, the Police Department said. The driver immediately stopped and is cooperating with the investigation. No names have been released.
Dozens of comments of support poured in after Sheriff Michelle Cook posted on Facebook "Stop what you’re doing and PRAY for this crossing guard."
"My granny is strong and she will come out
of this even stronger," Victoria Spencer wrote. "God please wrap your arms around my granny right now. She is an amazing person inside and out that would give the shirt off her back for anyone. She loves crossing those kids from school and cares about each and every one of them as if they were her own."
The Police Department asked motorists to be alert, slow down and use extra caution when approaching school zones.
"Our crossing guards put their own safety on the line each day to help ensure our children make it safely across our roadways," the department posted. "They are dedicated members of our community, and we are incredibly grateful for the work they do. With school back in session, we cannot emphasize this enough. ... A few extra seconds of patience can make all the difference."
cott Butler has been an editor/reporter specializing in public safety coverage for 26 years with The Florida Times-Union. He can be reached at sbutler@jacksonville.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Crossing guard in Orange Park struck while trying to stop traffic
