John Singletary, a crossing guard for Charter Oak International Academy in West Hartford, retired Friday.

By Ronni Newton

The West Hartford Police Department honored John Singletary on Friday as he retired after 15 years of service as a crossing guard for West Hartford Public Schools.

This was not the first career for Singletary, who is 88, Capt. Jeff Rose said of the “stalwart guard” who has for years safely crossed children en route to Charter Oak International Academy from his post on Flatbush Avenue.

Singletary is a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, and was a longtime employee of the Connecticut Department of Corrections, Rose said in a news release.

“John could always be counted on to serve the families at his post through inclement weather and illness,” Rose said. “John earned the respect of everyone he met from fellow crossing guards to the police officers who worked with him,” and set an example that all should follow.

“I loved my job as a crossing guard and I will miss all my friends at the post,” Singletary said in the release.

Fellow crossing guard Carolejane Barrett added that she was “fortunate to work with John and he set the highest example for all guards to follow.”

Rose said that Singletary, who lives in Hartford, will enjoy his retirement in his home state.

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