Meet Some of Hamilton County’s Finest School Patrol Officers

Crosswalk Champions

Meet Some of Hamilton County’s Finest School Patrol Officers

 

Getting safely to and from school is not only part of a child’s routine, but often one of the most important parts of their day. Luckily, crossing guards – formally called school patrol officers – are there to look after them every morning and every afternoon. School patrol officers are often the first and last face a child will see during their school day, which is why so many of them are so beloved by kids and parents alike. Here, we’re shining the spotlight on some of Hamilton County’s finest school patrol officers – and getting to the heart of why they do it. 

 

By Anna Hill

Photo by Rich Smith

 

School Patrol Officer

Pat Eubanks

Officer Eubanks is currently a school patrol officer for East Brainerd Elementary School and Woodmore Elementary School. She’s served local schools for nearly 20 years and has been with East Brainerd Elementary since the new school building opened – a school that has grown to now be the largest elementary school in Hamilton County. “I really do enjoy directing and navigating all the traffic for the kids,” she says. “And I enjoy meeting all these new people that often end up becoming like family to me. I love getting to interact with the kids every morning and seeing the same little faces each day.”

Photo by Emily Pérez Long

 

School Patrol Officer

Reggie Jordan

Officer Jordan has been on school patrol duty for 11 years now. At this time, he serves the Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences as well as Brown Academy near downtown. Jordan loves his job, as it not only allows him to provide for his beloved family, but it gives him the opportunity to get to know some wonderful kids. “My favorite part of what I do is that I get to talk to the kids and learn something new from them every day,” Jordan tells us. “I love spending an hour with them in the morning and another hour with them in the evening. It keeps me young and joyful.”

Photo by Emily Pérez Long

 

School Patrol Officer

Johnnie Morales

Officer Morales, who’s been patrolling local elementary schools since 2017, currently serves at Orchard Knob Elementary School as well as Hixson Elementary School on the north side of town. “It’s so important to keep the children safe as they go to and fro, often across heavily-
trafficked roadways,” Morales says. “That’s why I do this.” One of his favorite parts of the job is getting to know the kids he’s looking after. “On my birthday, some of the children drew pictures of me working. It was the best gift I ever received, and it brought tears of joy to my heart and to my eyes. It was the best day,”
he shares. 

Photo by Rich Smith

 

School Patrol Officer

Michael Church

While Officer Church just started the position at the beginning of this year, he already loves it. At this time, he serves on patrol duty for Dalewood Middle School as well as Normal Park Museum Magnet School. “I enjoy seeing and talking to the kids as they’re hurrying to get to school,” he explains. “I thought that being a crossing guard could be fun, and I love children, so here I am. The kids are all so well behaved. Even when the parents aren’t around, they listen to me!” And seeing the little ones is always a mood booster for Officer Church. “I love when the little kids say, “Have a good day, Mr. Michael!” he tells us. 

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