Cornwall crossing guard honoured for 50 years of service

A crossing guard in Cornwall was honoured for 50 years of keeping the streets safe. CTV’s Tyler Fleming reports.

A Cornwall crossing guard who has helped generations of students get to and from school safely is being honoured for 50 years of service.

Rose Durley was recognized Wednesday by the City of Cornwall, alongside friends, family and neighbours, for her half century of dedication at the intersection of Third Street East and Sydney Street.

Student Beatrice Good, who passes through the intersection daily on her way to school, says Durley is a familiar and reassuring presence.

“I walk a lot and bike in hot weather, and I always go through here,” Beatrice says. ”I always see Rose and it feels nice that Rose is getting the recognition that she 100 per cent deserves.”

Durley, who wiped away tears during the ceremony, says her long tenure is because of her passion for protecting her community. A bench and commemorative plaque were unveiled in her honour.

“That’s why I’m here, I love the kids. I love working with them, I got into it and I can’t get out of it,” she says.

“This is something I never dreamt of. It’s so awesome to see the whole crowd here, my grandkids, my daughters, my sons, great grandkids and with all the neighbours. It’s so great.”

Cornwall Mayor Justin Towndale was there to commemorate the event and says Durley’s role extends beyond traffic control.

“Rose has been out, safeguarding our children on our streets as they get to school for 50 years and that commitment, being out here at all times of the year in all types of weather, ensuring kids can get to school safely, that’s really a notable dedication,” Towndale says.

“We always talk about the important role educators play in kids’ lives. Crossing guards are part of that, they’re part of that system, and they certainly have a huge impact on the lives of kids in our community.”

The celebration was also emotional for Durley’s family. Her daughters, Diane, Joy and Maggie say their mother’s dedication has never wavered.

“I’m very proud of my mom,” says Diane. “She’s very dedicated, even standing out in the freezing cold.”

“She’s such an inspiration. Mom’s 83 and she’s still works so hard,” says Joy. “She still has her own house. I’m so proud of her.”

“There are so many children she’s helped who’ve had difficulties in life,” says Maggie. “And she’s always been there with a wholehearted spirit of, ‘You can do it, you can move forward. You can make your life better.’”

Durley’s impact has spanned generations. One of her granddaughters, Rose, named after Durley, says she was also guided by her grandmother at the same intersection.

“I used to come here after school and hang out with my Nana,” she says. “We would go back home and she made me her famous poutine.”

Longtime friend Jeanette Depatie says the community’s pride in Durley is well-earned.

“Rose was the one who got me to work as a crossing guard as well and we’ve been friends ever since that day,” she says. “We’re all proud of her.”

Despite the milestone, Durley says she has no plans to retire.

“No, not yet,” she says. “I still feel good and healthy.”

And even on the day she is honoured, Durley’s focus remains on the kids.

“I start here at seven in the morning to get the kids off to school then I’m back for lunch break at noon and now I’ll be back here at 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. because I got some small little kids getting off the bus, little four-year-olds and eight-year-olds,” says Rose. “I just love it.”

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