BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Now that schools in Massachusetts are back to in-person learning, crossing guards are back at their posts helping kids safely cross the street.
On Wednesday, one crossing guard was honored with the state's first Crossing Guard of the Year Award.
Five days a week, Dave Ledger puts on his bright colored vest and helps students safely get to and from Northwest Elementary School in Leominster.
At the annual, Massachusetts Safe Routes to School ceremony, Ledger was honored with the the award.
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Safe Routes to School Outreach Coordinator Rachel O'Donnell said Ledger often goes above and beyond for the students. "Such as the time he dressed up as Clifford the Big Red Dog during the schoolbook fair, not only did he talk to the students in costume, but he volunteered at the book fair," said O'Donnell.
She added he volunteered so every student could get the chance to talk to Clifford.
Officials said they received 173 different nominees and there were four finalists from Braintree, Marblehead, Beverly, and Hingham.
WBZ NewsRadio's Carl Stevens (@carlwbz) Reports:
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(Photo: Getty Images)