LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A traffic guard was seriously hurt in a hit and run. A young child was hit by a bus in an area without a guard on duty.
Those are just two recent headlines highlighting safety needs outside of Louisville schools. Louisville Metro Police doesn't have enough crossing guards at every JCPS school. Right now, they're down 36.
"I'm running them out, in, crossing kids. I got three things going on at one time. I am a four-way intersection," James Wilkins, a JCPS crossing guard, said.
Wilkins has his hands full.
"Always been serving the public," Wilkins said.
First he joined the Marine Corps, then he served in the Louisville Fire Department, and now he's "the traffic guy."
"I take it personal. I know who's coming who's not coming. I know when the kids are coming," Wilkins said.
Last month, LMPD said it had 74 of 112 crossing guard positions filled. Since then two have been hired and four more are in the hiring process. But that still leaves 36 openings, and dozens of crosswalks without coverage.
"With the staggered times right now. It gives guards the opportunity to cover more schools but however, it also is a hindrance to it that we can't cover all the schools but we're doing our best to cover all the schools that we can," Wilkins said.
Wilkins doesn't just control traffic, he also trains others and shows them how stay safe.
"So we don't just stick you out there. You go through some training in different schools different location, and we'll get you comfortable in the schools. And then once we feel that you're safe to travel and work the traffic then we will cut you loose," Wilkins said.
Wilkins said many shy away from the opportunity because of the weather and the risks that come with it. But, he also says the job comes with flexibility. You can work four, six, or eight hours a day -- and send kids off to school with a smile.
James Wilkins is a JCPS crossing guard. (WDRB photo)
"I always speak to all of them and treat them like they're my own kids. Because the parents to trust and to our kids gonna get to school safely and I want to be sure my kids get across," Wilkins said.
Crossing guards get to pick which school they want to serve at, if it's available. Then they can be there until they want to give it up.
Wilkins is currently training a 19-year-old. He said he has also trained several people who are in retirement.
LMPD provides all crossing guards pants, vests, and flashlights.
If you'd like to apply to be a traffic guard, click here.
Copyright 2023 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
