West High Crossing Guard Shares Insight on Job Duties: How to Lessen Traffic Troubles

Mr. Ricky Helton is the main crossing guard of the school on Lincoln Avenue. His daily duties include establishing his safety zone and then directing traffic on the street. He works the bus exit and the Junior parking lot exit. Helton shared, “I face many challenges daily, but the biggest challenge of being the crossing guard on Lincoln Avenue is careless driving. People late and rushing through the school zone has been my biggest hazard. When people are rushing, they are not paying attention to me, or even the cars around them.”

Prior to becoming a crossing guard, Helton worked as a machinist for 17 years, where he maintained, set up, and operated 1947-1952 era multi-spindle machines. He also owned and operated a landscaping business during most of those years as a machinist. While in his current position, he is taking classes to become a licensed Wiring and Tuning specialist with FuelTech Ignition and Fuel Management systems and Holley systems. Once certified, he will be able to wire and tune all FuelTech and Holley products.

Helton stated, “I face many challenges daily, but the biggest challenge of being the crossing guard on Lincoln Avenue is careless driving. People late and rushing through the school zone has been my biggest hazard. When people are rushing, they are not paying attention to me, or even the cars around them.” Helton also shared a couple of tips to help lessen the traffic on the road after school is let out at 3:00 sharing, “The best way students can help traffic flow is to pay attention. Traffic flows smoothly when my foot traffic stays in their designated areas, i.e., the sidewalks and crosswalks, and carefully cross at the intersection. I also need my drivers to drive slowly and watch for my direction at the exit. It is very important, students watch for me and stop and go on my cues.]]

All in all, Helton enjoys his time working as a crossing guard for the school, saying “Yes, I absolutely enjoy the crossing guard job. It has let me revisit some of my best memories I made as a student there.” Helton’s crossing guard position is contracted through the school system.