History of the Chicago Crossing Guards

50 years ago our county, as well as most of the world was in a restoration period after World War II. The baby boom began in the early 1950's and our population was growing. And, automobile usage was increasing. Also during the period, our federal government stepped in to try and control traffic speed and install lights in congested areas. However, children were being struck by cars continuously going to and from school. Not only Chicago, but our entire country was concerned with the statistics showing children's' fatalities.

I am sure many of you may have questioned -- "Just when and how Chicago Crossing Guards began?" Also, "Who made it possible?" Ms. Ester Saperstein who at that time was President of the Chicago Region PTA started the ball rolling. It was 1947 when the Board of Education's PTA members wrote letters to legislators asking for an adult crossing guard system. At that time, patrol students were used.

In 1948 a pilot program was begun through the Chicago Board of Education. However, due to lack of funds, the Chicago Police Department took over the responsibilities of our children's safety. August 27, 1951 Ramona Shiffer was appointed "Crossing Guard Coordinator". Ramona Shiffer along with 125 other women were hired to cross children attending public and parochial schools. In July, 1952 the first written examination was given for this position. An additional 189 Crossing Guards were hired to cover designated posts. Currently there are 1,100 Crossing Guards posts in Chicago.

In February, 1955 The Chicago Crossing Guard Association was formed. Romona Shiffer and Lois Beck were chosen to temporarily act as President and Vice President. At that time, contracts were basically done by a handshake. However, as time passed, a more formal agreement was needed through written contracts.

So on July 1, 1984 the Chicago Crossing Guards' joined SEIU and formed Local 729. In 1987 Resolutions were adopted at the Illinois PTA Convention to provide educational training for an adult crossing guard program with standards and traffic control safety procedures. An interesting fact is that at one time, it was stated that the Chicago Crossing Guards' contract was the best civilian negotiated contract in the United States.

In order to get a Guard for a post, schools were contacted or they contacted the coordinators. A survey would be done on that specific corner in question. Continuously there are old posts omitted and new ones added based on the communities' needs. Presently we are now a part of the Pedestrian Protection Unit Patrol Division of the Chicago Police Department.

Another interesting fact is that Chicago is the only major city in the United States that supplements its sworn personnel by using its Crossing Guards during the summer months on assignments other than school crossings.

The responsibilities of Crossing Guards seem simple when one reads the duties. However, standing on a busy intersection -- with cars, trucks and buses flying and children running and playing around you -- reality sets in. Realistically crossing guards must assume that the driver is not aware of their existence.

There have been three crossing guards killed an many injured while on duty. There are many advantages to our job, but also the wind, rain, snow, and heat have to be dealt with.

Our uniforms have changed since 1955. The first guards were required to wear a white skirt and in winter we were to wear black pants under our skirts with pants tucked into black boots. A short time later our uniforms were changed to a navy blue  skirt and blue shirt the same as the police.

With this came other clothing items that were acceptable; however, pants were not allowed. It was not until the early 1970's that the navy pants that we see worn predominantly by the Guards today were added to our uniform. Also our original overcoats were double-breasted wool and not waterproof. Again in the early 1970's the material and design of the overcoat was changed to benefit the Guards.

I know that everyone has been asked one question -- Why did you become a Crossing Guard? We all agree that it is for the money and benefits, but more importantly for THE CHILDREN. The safety of the next generation is our hands. We give them support, comfort and a secure feeling of being safe just by our mere presence. I know that from my own experience as a child walking to and from school, my crossing guard was my safe haven.

We are all very proud to be members of the Chicago Police Department

and will continue to make history within our great City

standing tall in our blue uniforms

with OUTSTRETCHED ARMS.