Local Crossing Guard Honored For Heroic Actions

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - He put his personal safety at risk to save young kids from a dangerous situation.

Now, a local school volunteer and crossing guard is being honored for going above and beyond.

Maurice Cole Sr. was recognized at a meeting held by the Pittsburgh Board of Public Education.

"He makes sacrifices for the good of others, he lives his life in a purposeful way to advocate for kids," Pittsburgh Minadeo Principal Melissa Wagner said.

He certainly proved that just a couple of weeks ago.

About 20 students were waiting at a bus stop near Hazelwood, when gunshots rang out.

"Mr. Cole heard the shots, immediately took the kids that he routinely stands with at the bus stop and gathered them into a nearby store and locked the door, so that the children would be safe," Wagner said.

He waited for the bus to come and checked the streets before letting the kids leave the store to board the bus and head to Pittsburgh Minadeo.

"It was just a relief for me that he was there, and I knew that all the kids would be safe," Assistant Principal Deborah Hollis said.

"It was amazing. It was brave and at the same time, it's Maurice. It doesn't come at any surprise that he would take this type of risk for the sake of others," Wagner said.

Cole didn't want to go on camera and he doesn't like being called a hero.

Friends said, that is no surprise.

"That's the way he is. He's not a boaster. He doesn't do it because of recognition, he does it because that's just natural for him. That's they type of person he is," Hollis said.

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