Courtesy photo.
COCONINO COUNTY — Safe Kids Coconino County, led by Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS), and Safe Kids Worldwide are proud to recognize Billy Weldon as the winner of the 2020 America’s Favorite Crossing Guard contest.
After tens of thousands of votes from appreciative supporters that earned him a spot as one of the top five finalists, Weldon was named the winner by a panel of judges because of his exceptional impact on his community and his commitment to the safety of the students.
Weldon has volunteered as a crossing guard for 13 years at Marshall Magnet Elementary School, part of Flagstaff United School District. He is also a Vietnam War veteran and is active in supporting other veterans and attending veteran funerals across the state. He has been recognized with many military and community awards, including two Bronze Star Medals, a Purple Heart and the title of the 2014 Arizona Daily Sun Male Citizen of the Year. In his 13 years of service as a crossing guard, there have been no traffic-related injuries or deaths.
On Friday, May 29, Flagstaff United School District held a procession honoring their graduating seniors, where Weldon served as the Grand Marshall and was recognized as America’s Favorite Crossing Guard.
“Through rain, sunshine, snow or hurricane winds, every day, twice a day, Billy is there with a high-five and a hug for every student,” said Heather Williams, coordinator of CCHHS Safe Kids Coconino County. “Traffic is heavy in our area and Billy has made such a difference in our community. It brings everyone joy to see Billy’s Purple Heart Truck and know the lengths he goes to keep our kids safe.”
Safe Kids Worldwide and FedEx launched the America’s Favorite Crossing Guard campaign to raise awareness about the tremendous contribution that crossing guards make to keeping kids safe in school zones. This is the fourth year Safe Kids Worldwide has named America’s Favorite Crossing Guard. For more information about the initiative, visit safekids.org.
About Safe Kids Coconino County Safe Kids Coconino County works to prevent unintentional childhood injury, the No. 1 cause of death for children in the United States. Its members include staff from Coconino County, Flagstaff Medical Center, North Country Healthcare, Flagstaff Unified School District, Flagstaff Biking Organization, the City of Flagstaff, and many more . Safe Kids Coconino County is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing unintentional injury. Safe Kids Coconino County was founded in 1988 and is led by Coconino County Health and Human Services. For more information, visit safekids.org