Crossing Guard Of Year Goes Beyond Call Of Duty To Keep Kids Safe

Clearwater FL

09 August, 2021

3:11 PM

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CLEARWATER, FL — As the new school year gets underway Wednesday, parents of students attending Sandy Lane Elementary School can be assured their kids are in safe hands while crossing roads on their way to school. The Clearwater Police Department has recognized Melinda Neal as the Doug Carey School Crossing Guard of the Year. Neal has been a crossing guard since 2014 and is currently posted near Sandy Lane Elementary. She also serves on the Sandy Lane Elementary School Advisory Council. In addition to making sure children get safely to and from school, she gets to know each of the students and has been known to run out and obtain a coat, sweater or gloves for a student she sees going without on cold days. "I love my job," Neal said after receiving her award from Deputy Chief Eric Gandy. The Crossing Guard of the Year award is named in honor of Doug Carey, a retired police officer who was killed in May 2014 while working as a crossing guard. Neal isn't the only member of the police department to be honored for going above the call of duty. Last week, Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard awarded the Medal of Distinguished Service to Sgt. Nick Giordano, Officer Michael Buis and Officer Michael Kontodiakos for their efforts to save a man from a capsized sailboat recently. Clearwater PoliceClearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard awarded the Medal of Distinguished Service to Sgt. Nick Giordano, Officer Michael Buis and Officer Michael Kontodiakos for their efforts to save a man from a capsized sailboat recently.Additionally, Veterans Funeral Care at 830 N. Belcher Road showed its appreciation for the police department when it organized its second annual Clearwater Police Appreciation Day. Officers were able to stop by for a boxed lunch, thank-you bag and letters written by police supporters. Rumba Island Bar & Grill and Capogna's Dugout joined in with other community partners to help make it a special day for police officers. Clearwater PoliceLast week, Veterans Funeral Care at 830 N. Belcher Road showed its appreciation for the police department when it organized its second annual Clearwater Police Appreciation Day.