Beloved Crossing Guard Retires After Nearly 30 Years

BROOKLINE (KDKA) -- For Anita Jackson, it's been a labor of love.

For 27 years, she's helped kids safely cross the streets of Brookline.

Friday was her very last day on the job.

"It's a little bittersweet, happy but yet I'm going to miss the children for sure," she said.

She's been there for multiple generations of families, and it's those bonds and close relationships she'll miss most.

"I've been on this corner here for 21 years, so I've seen them come and go, their children come back, so it's like, I'm going to miss them," Jackson said.

There were plenty of hugs and even some tears, and Anita got quite the surprise from her family. Her husband and other family members showed up with flowers and well wishes on a job well done.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

"It just took my by surprise, but they are everything to me, my family," she said.

"She's so in touch with the neighborhood, the kids, everybody is like family to her and she's very proud of what she does and we're proud of her," said Jackson's daughter-in-law Cheryl Brown.

Her husband, Gary Jackson, said he's especially proud of Anita's dedication.

"Come out here no matter what kind of weather, freezing cold, rain, sunshine, she was always out here, always on the job," he said.

Now, with more free time on her hands, Anita says she plans to travel and help out with the grandkids.

The corner though, will never quite be the same.

"They miss her when she's off for a day, and I can't imagine how its going to be when somebody else is here permanently," Brown said.