Crossing guards honored for dedication to kids’ safety




Bob Larsen

Bob Larsen


By Stephanie Bertholdo
Acorn Staff Writer

For more than 13 years, Bill Barry has stopped traffic with his big red stop sign to walk students safely across the street to Brookside Elementary School in Oak Park.


Barry’s dedication was rewarded last week with a special recognition ceremony at the school. He was named "Crossing Guard of the Year."


Whitney Standring-Trueblood, a sophomore at Oak Park High School, presented Barry with a certificate to commemorate his commitment to keeping kids safe.


Standring-Trueblood stood before the assembly of students, teachers and administration and reminisced. "I used to be Bill’s youngest fan," she said. "When I was three, I watched the crosswalk being built from my window, and on Bill’s first day, I rode my tricycle down to make friends with Bill," she added. "Even though I no longer go to Brookside, Bill is still an important part of my front yard. Thank you, Bill, for all the years of safe crossings," Standring-Trueblood said. "I’m still the president of your fan club."


Brookside office manager Virginia Standring-Trueblood, said, "We all love him." In addition to crossing her daughters over the years, Barry would even cross their cat, Niles, a regular visitor to the school campus.


Barry said he loves kids and likes to stay busy. A former professional baseball player in the minor leagues and 32 year executive with Budweiser, Barry has lived in Oak Park for 20 years. He’s been married to Betty for 53 years and has six children, 17 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.


Between crossing kids and cats, Barry continues to be a sports fan and especially enjoys baseball.


Round Meadow


crossing guard


also remembered


Robert (Bob) Larsen has been helping children safely cross the street to Round Meadow Elementary School in Calabasas for more than a dozen years. Las Virgenes Unified School District was preparing to recognize Larsen with a "Crossing Guard of the Year" award before he recently passed away.


Larsen will be remembered for his kindness. A Round Meadow official said, "Bob has always been much more than a crossing guard." She added that at Round Meadow, Larsen was always careful and conscientious to protect children and their parents. He was also remembered for helping kids carry heavy backpacks and for giving words of encouragement.


Larsen, a 33-year Canoga Park resident, said he enjoyed keeping busy and working with kids. Prior to becoming a beloved crossing guard, he worked as a warehouse manager for 25 years.


Married for more than 52 years, Larsen is survived by his wife, Jo, one son and two grandchildren. He knew that he was to be honored as Crossing Guard of the Year before he died.


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