BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — School's already started in Brevard County, but due to worries over the pandemic, many crossing guards aren't coming back to work.


What You Need To Know

  •  Brevard County is seeing a need for additional school crossing guards

  •  Officials say that due to the pandemic, many have not returned to the job

  • A crossing guard job fair is being held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Melbourne Square Mall

Melbourne Police school crossing guard Darlene Monninger takes her position to stop traffic twice a day, five days a week.

"We just want everybody to be safe, that's it," she said.

And with her whistle in hand, she's seen and heard two hours every weekday at Croton Road and Eau Gallie Boulevard.

There are some special little ones she's here to look after when school lets out at Croton Elementary.

"We have to lead the way," she said. "We watch that light, and know we can go this way, and try and keep our eye out for anyone and everyone."

But Monninger has a teammate.

Emily Horton also walks the walk, in the school crosswalk.

"Based upon the changing of the light, we know when to cross each child," said Horton. "You have to be alert at all times."

"We try to put it up (stop sign) so they see it," said Monninger.

Class is almost dismissed, and Phillip McKinley is here to lead his 7-year-old daughter Lacey home.

"My daughter and all the other kids, they make sure they wait, and they say go ahead," said McKinley.

McKinley waits himself, then the pair head out on the 10 minute walk home back across the same crosswalk.

For Monninger, every safe step is meaningful.

"We usually know when our last one is, oh, there's another one," she said. "They sneak up on ya."

Melbourne Police are holding a crossing guard job fair Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Melbourne Square Mall.​