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Yonkers To Put 43 Crossing Guards Back On Streets

YONKERS, N.Y. – Two years after a school crossing guard program was suspended because of money, Yonkers is looking to put more than 40 guards back on the street.

On Monday, 19 paid crossing guards will return to several high-priority city corners as part of a revamped, more cost-effective program, Mayor Mike Spano and Councilman Christopher Johnson announced Friday. Officials said the city is hoping to fill 24 remaining positions with volunteer crossing guards when they become available.

“Our students are our number-one priority in Yonkers and that includes their safety,” Spano said in statement. “Restoring the crossing guard program provides parents the peace of mind that their children are in a safe environment in and outside their schools.”

The restoration of the program and its 43 posts comes after it was suspended in 2010 due to budget constraints. Now, with a revamped program and the use of volunteer guards, the program will be nearly half the cost, officials said. 

Johnson said the restoration of the program was important to assure parents the city cares about its students.

"Our children should have someone focused on their safety so they can focus on their studies," he said.

As part of the program, the paid crossers will be placed at 19 high-traffic positions selected by the Yonkers Police Department. Officials hope to fill the remaining 24 positions with volunteers who will be asked to man their corner a minimum of three mornings or afternoons per week.

The city said it will cover the costs of the paid guards, equipment and background checks, as well as their mandatory training.

City officials, with the help of Yonkers Public Schools and the Yonkers Police Department, will begin recruiting volunteers in the upcoming weeks with presentations at school open houses and automated calls to families of Yonkers students.

Individuals who are interested in volunteering can access more information and an application at www.yonkersny.gov.

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