National Award from Safe Kids Worldwide and FedEx Highlights Vital Contributions Crossing Guards Make Every Day to Keep Kids Safe
Flagstaff, AZ – After a nationwide contest to recognize and honor local crossing guard heroes, and tens of thousands of votes by appreciative supporters, Safe Kids Worldwide and FedEx revealed the winner of the 2020 America’s Favorite Crossing Guard contest: Billy Weldon of Flagstaff, Arizona.
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 parade honoring their graduating seniors, where Weldon served as the parade’s 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 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 contest 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.
“Kids and drivers are more distracted than ever. In 2018 alone, there were 408 child pedestrian deaths,” said Nadji Kirby, Senior Program Manager, Safe Kids Worldwide. “Crossing guards are an important line of defense, helping keep kids safe as they cross the street on their way to school. We are thrilled to honor Billy Weldon for all the work he has done in his community.”
In 2000, Safe Kids Worldwide and FedEx launched the Safe Kids Walk This Way program to bring national and local attention to pedestrian safety issues. What started as a pilot program in three U.S. cities is now in more than 500 schools nationwide, as well as nine other countries, reaching more than 17 million children around the world.
About Safe Kids Worldwide
Safe Kids Worldwide is a nonprofit organization working to protect kids on the road, at home and at play. Preventable injuries are the No. 1 cause of death for children in the United States. Safe Kids works with an extensive network of more than 400 coalitions in the U.S. and with partners in more than 30 countries to reduce traffic injuries, drownings, falls, burns, poisonings and more. Join our effort at safekids.org.
About FedEx Corp
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenue of $70 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 475,000 team members to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. To learn more about how FedEx connects people and possibilities around the world, please visit about.fedex.com.