Pasco County crossing guard named as Florida’s Crossing Guard of the Year

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A Pasco County crossing guard was just honored by the state of Florida as the crossing guard of the year.

First thing in the morning, Dave Peterson is on the move to what he calls his post.

“What it gives me an opportunity to do is connect with my community,” Peterson said. “I spend time with the families that use the crosswalk. And in particular the kids. The kids are a real joy.”

Peterson is a crossing guard at the Starkey Ranch K-8 School in Odessa.

He crosses 500 students a day.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, he used to work in law enforcement and then signed up for this when he saw a need.

“I saw teachers in the middle of the pandemic directing traffic. And my inside voice said, ‘That’s just not right,’” Peterson said.

It turns out he’s filling a big need.

Emily Hinsdale, president of Sidewalk Stompers, a Tampa nonprofit that advocates for kids walking to school, says many local agencies are always looking to fill crossing guard positions.

“Many students have no other option to walk or bike to school,” Hinsdale said. “So having someone stationed at a corner, to make sure they get safely across some of our very dangerous roads is essential. This is something we need for children to get to school.”

And Peterson takes that seriously.

He says it’s not just a job. It’s also a chance to educate about road safety.

That’s something that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) recognized by naming him Florida’s Crossing Guard of the Year in 2022.

“I really appreciate the opportunity to serve the community,” Peterson said. “And I think it’s a great honor to serve the sheriff’s office.”

Peterson works part time with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office as a crossing guard.

The agency is always looking to fill those jobs. For more information, visit the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office website.