Page 16 - November2026LifeInNaples

Serve Your

Community As A

School

Crossing

Guard

hen Pete Garzia took his daughter out to dinner time position offers the opportunity to serve the community,
on Third Street South for her birthday recently, interact with children and families every day and receive health
Wthe celebration took an unexpected turn. A server insurance and other CCSO benefits. Experience is not required.
recognized him and asked for a selfie. CCSO provides all the training.
“She said her kids call me their guy because they don’t know The CCSO Youth Relations Bureau oversees the school
my name,” Garzia said with a laugh. “They’ll say, ‘Hey, there’s my crossing guard program in Collier County. Every crossing
guy.’” guard receives training that meets Florida Department of
For Garzia, a Collier County Sheriff’s Office school crossing Transportation standards, taught by CCSO instructors certified
guard, that kind of rock star treatment has become surprisingly by FDOT.
common. Parents stop to thank him. Children excitedly wave The job involves far more than helping children cross the
when they spot him around town. It’s one of the unexpected street. School crossing guards become familiar, trusted faces
perks of spending almost 13 years helping students safely cross in their neighborhoods, building relationships with students
the intersection of Davis Boulevard and Lakewood Boulevard. and their families while providing a reassuring presence at the
But the recognition isn’t why Garzia, who turns 77 in November, beginning and end of every school day.
keeps showing up every school day. The Sheriff’s Office is looking for applicants who have a
“I do it because I know I’m doing something important,” he desire to serve their community and possess qualities such as
said. kindness, empathy, dedication, and a strong work ethic. Crossing
Now with the start of the new school year, Sheriff Kevin guards are provided with uniforms and all necessary safety
Rambosk is encouraging residents to consider a position with equipment, including reflective traffic vests, gloves and handheld
CCSO as a school crossing guard a job that, as Garzia has stop signs.
discovered, offers the reward of making a difference in children's The position requires about a three-hour daily commitment,
lives and the unexpected perk of becoming a familiar and trusted with crossing guards working before and after school to help
face in the community. ensure students arrive safely and return home safely each day.
As more families move to Collier County, new The flexible schedule makes the job an excellent fit for retirees,
neighborhoods and schools are bringing more students to busy former educators and others looking for meaningful work that
roadways, increasing the need for school crossing guards who fits their day.
serve as a critical link in keeping children safe. Garzia, who ran a large commercial construction business in
“Every safe school day begins with students arriving at Philadelphia before retiring to Naples in 2012, said becoming a
school ready to learn and ends with them getting home safely school crossing guard is a great fit for his lifestyle. After helping
to their families,” Sheriff Rambosk said. “Our school crossing the last student safely cross the road in the morning, he then
guards play a vital role in making that happen. They do much heads to the to the gym, has lunch at home, sometimes takes a
more than direct traffic. They build relationships with children, dip in his pool, and returns for afternoon dismissal.
earn the trust of parents and serve as positive role models in our “I get 12,000 to 13,000 steps a day,” he said. “It’s perfect.”
community. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back,
this is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our Those interested in becoming a school crossing guard can learn more
children every single day.” about the position, review job requirements and apply online at
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is currently hiring school colliersheriff.org.
crossing guards for the current school year. The rewarding part-

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