Crossing guards being trained by police

By Monday all students in Central Florida County will be back at school-- and Kissimmee police departments are making sure Osceola County children get to school safely.

With school about to start, Kissimmee crossing guards get a refresher course on how to help children cross dangerous roadways.

Most of the guards are seasoned veterans, but of course some of the children they will be helping may have never walked to school, and those who have, well after all they are still children.

"They want to just dart out," said crossing guard instructor Valerie O'Hara.

Against shrinking budgets, Kissimmee manages to employ 40 crossing guards who work about four hours per day at the start and end of school. 

"They are in areas where signs warn people to slow down we want everyone to drive safe, our precious resources are out there our children,"  Kissimmee Police Captain Michael Shepard.

Speeding in a school zone can also be expensive, like in construction zones, fines are doubled, which means you could pay up to $500. 

If flashing lights aren't enough warning for you, look for the crossing guards in their brightly colored uniforms, and red stop signs.

They may not have police powers, but they certainly serve and protect.