Public Employee Press


First in a series

NEVER QUIT

DC 37/AFSCME members share a deep commitment to public service and work 24/7 to make New York City a global capital.

New York is the city that never sleeps. Around the clock, emergencies need responses. Streets need cleaning. Families need care. Students need well-run schools. our neighborhoods demand safety. That's why DC 37 members Never Quit. To nominate someone to participate in this campaign, contact PEPeditor@dc37.net.

For 35 years I worked as a School Crossing Guard.

My second assignment was in Brooklyn, at St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School on the corner of Nostrand Aveue and Maple Street in Crown Heights. The Fire Department uses Maple Street as their designated street to cut across Nostrand. It's a dangerous intersection. I worked there for 30 years.

I always told the other School Crossing Guards you have to be a people person to do this job, and I always encouraged them to come to union meetings.

You have to have your own style and keep your eyes on the kids. Even in the cold weather, I loved my job and even having to travel all the way from Hollis, Queens.

I knew most of the kids and their parents. They felt their kids were safe with me on the job. When I retired in 2008, the Midwood Block Association held a retirement party for me. And the teachers and kids at the school put farewell messages for me on the school's fence. I'm retired. But I'm still active with the union. I volunteer with the Political Action Committee; I'm responsible for serving the food at a lot of activities, with the Retirees Association and the Political Action Committee.

There was a fire in my home in March and I had to move out temporarily until repairs are made. But I thank God me and my grandchildren are all alive. Seven fire trucks came within five minutes after my call. We stayed in a hotel for two weeks then were relocated to Addisleigh Park.

I'm grateful to my union family, the Retirees Association, Political Action, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and Local 372 for their generosity during this difficult time.

— AA