Dearborn Heights city council members, fellow crossing guards and Police Chief Michael Guzowski honor crossing guard Pat Donegan (not pictured) during the Feb. 10 council meeting.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEIGHTS – Pat Donegan, a crossing guard with 40 years of service, was honored in absentia at the Feb. 10 City Council meeting by the police chief, council and fellow crossing guards.
Police Chief Michael Guzowski said Donegan has kept generations of students safe as they travel to and from school.
“The impact of her service on this community is deeper than traffic lines, school bells and morning routines,” he said in a commendation honoring her. “For four decades, Pat has stood at the same corner, in the rain, in the snow, in the heat, and in the quiet calm of those early mornings, ensuring that every child crossed safely.”
Guzowski said her “constant presence, reassuring smile and steady hand” has been there for three generations of students, from shy kindergarteners to confident fifth-graders.
“Pat has been there for the nervous parents letting go of their child’s hand for the first time and offering them a smile of reassurance,” he said. “Over the years, Pat has been called many things: a guardian, a role model, a friendly face, a part of the school family, but most of all, she has been a constant, a rare reliability in an uncertain world.”
Guzowski said Donegan’s legacy is measured in the thousands of children who grew up feeling safer, more confident and supported because she was there.
The council also issued a proclamation of appreciation, wishing Donegan a “restful and joyful retirement” and praising her dedication and resilience.