Two Pasco crossing guards receive state award

NEW PORT RICHEY — Two Pasco crossing guards were named crossing guards of the year by the Florida Department of Transportation.

Robert Johnson, 71, and Antonio Alves, 81, work as a team shepherding students at Schrader Elementary School across Little Road at Star Trail, a very busy intersection. The two men were nominated by the Pasco County Health Department, which has an office nearby.

"Our children's health and safety is important," county health officer David Johnson said in a statement. "We appreciate our partners who help protect our children and applaud these crossing guards for the job they do every day to help keep them safe."

The men are employed by the Pasco Sheriff's Office. The positions are part-time and often filled by retirees. Johnson has been on the job for eight years, Alves for four.

Sheriff Chris Nocco said the entire agency was proud of Johnson and Alves.

"Along with these two members, we thank all our crossing guards for protecting our youth as they travel to and from school and for keeping a vigilant presence for other threats to our children."