From the Streets to the Classroom
How Greenup County’s “Paw Patrol”
Is Redefining School Safety
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
Who thought putting kids in the path of oncoming cars—driven by people who may or may not know what they're doing—was a good idea? Well, sometimes the best ideas start off a little wobbly, right? Enter the Safety Patrol!
The Safety Patrol is a nationwide program that stations students at crosswalks to help their peers safely navigate the streets. Believe it or not, this bright idea dates back to the 1920s, when cars were zooming through cities, and the roads—well, not so much. With few traffic lights, street signs, or licensing requirements for drivers, pedestrian safety was basically a roll of the dice. Naturally, schools jumped in to help fill the gap and keep kids safe.
The concept of safety patrols really kicked off thanks to Charles M. Hayes, president of the Chicago branch of the American Automobile Association (AAA). After witnessing a tragic accident involving kids in 1920, he decided something had to be done. Hayes launched a program to teach both children and adults the best ways to stay safe on the roads. By the 1930s, his initiative had grown, with support from the National Congress of Parents and Teachers and the National Safety Council.
But it didn’t stop there. AAA really made waves by hosting rallies and even a parade in Washington, D.C. to spread the word about safety patrols. They also introduced a pledge for patrol members, which goes like this:
“I pledge to report for duty on time, perform my duties faithfully, strive to prevent accidents, always set a good example, obey my teachers and patrol officers, report dangerous student practices, and earn the respect of my followers.”
Along with this pledge came the iconic “Sam Browne belt”—a reflective, diagonal strap named after a British general who lost an arm in battle. The belt became a symbol of safety, and over time, its color was changed to bright orange or green for even more visibility.
Now, back in the 1940s, people thought boys were the only ones suited for the job of safety patrol officer, and girls weren’t even allowed to carry the stop signs! But by the 1950s, people started to realize that safety knows no gender, and soon enough, the program was open to everyone.
Fast forward to today, and nearly 675,000 students are involved in safety patrols across the country, some even climbing the ranks to become captain, where they’re tasked with overseeing other patrol members and assigning posts. It’s more than just crossing guards—it's a great way to develop leadership skills and make a real difference in the community.
One school district keeping this tradition alive is Greenup County Schools, where they’ve taken safety patrol to the next level with a program called Paw Patrol. This unique program encourages students to take on leadership roles while ensuring the safety of their peers. The latest batch of Paw Patrol recruits at McKell Elementary School was sworn in by none other than Greenup County Police Chief Kearns.
These new recruits were selected based on their passion for safety and responsibility. Students had to apply to the Paw Patrol program and explain why they thought they'd be a good fit. Some of their responses were truly heartwarming: "I love my school and want to help keep it safe," said one student. Another remarked, "Responsibility means doing the right thing when no one is looking," while yet another proudly stated, "I'm nice, but I can enforce the rules!"
Chief Kearns took the opportunity to share an important lesson with the students about what it truly means to wear a badge. “I don’t look forward to writing tickets... I look forward to keeping people safe,” he said, reinforcing that the true essence of service is about protecting others.
In the words of Greenup County Schools, Paw Patrol is not just about safety—it’s about fostering the kind of leadership that can change the world. “We hope that Paw Patrol gives these youngsters an opportunity to learn about what’s really important making the world a better place through serving others.”
So, the next time you see a group of young safety patrol officers in their bright vests and shiny badges, remember they’re not just stopping traffic—they’re stepping into leadership roles that can shape their future and the future of others.
Let’s hear it for the Paw Patrols of the world: one stop sign at a time, they’re making the streets—and the world—safer!
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