ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The main job of a crossing guard is to help your kids get to school safe. But one crossing guard in St. Petersburg is doing that and so much more.
We actually found out about this crossing guard on social media. There were so many pictures and positive comments about this guy, making people's day, that we had to reach out.
And the best part, when I caught up with Demo Anasis, he had no idea the joy he is bringing to the neighborhood around Lynch Elementary School.
On this particular day, Anasis is dressed like a pirate, but it's not unusual to see him in a costume.
"I try to incorporate something during the different seasons. I did something for Thanksgiving. I was a turkey," Anasis said. "Then for Christmas it was Santa Claus. Now, it's a pirate."
After retiring from a career in sales, Anasis was ready to do something different.
"I was looking for an opportunity to somehow be involved in the community, and the opportunity to deal with young children is a delight just to invigorate them with the potential that they have," Anasis said.
For two years he's been making people smile as they make their way through this neighborhood near Lynch Elementary. And it's more than just the kids.
"The cars stop, the window goes down and the children's hand waves and I'm waving back to them. Then as they drive by, zip, the window goes back up and I know that I've made my point," Anasis said.
Samuel Kirby is Anasis' supervisor: "I'm kind of glad that he's having fun, and people love that he's having fun. Demo is one of my favorite guards because you see how he does. When I first saw him, he had the hand, the little white hand."
It's that wave, the smile, the enthusiasm, that made Anasis the talk of a local social media page. Something he didn't even know about, but the St. Petersburg Police department printed all those comments and framed them to show how much they also appreciate Anasis' service to the community.
"Wow. I am really touched with that. What can I say?" He doesn't have to say anything, because his actions speak louder than words. "I think the delight and passion I really have is seeing the children and the smiles that they have on their faces and they're waving as they go by so. Actually I benefit more from what's actually taking place than what I'm really doing."
Crossing guards do get paid. They work for the local police department or sheriff's office. They also make sure you have the training and tools you need to do the job. St. Petersburg is always looking for crossing guards — click here if you're interested.