Utica firefighters donate LED stop signs for crossing guards at 2 intersections

UTICA — As a firefighter in the city of Utica and a parent of a child attending Utica Community Schools, Mark Ricketts is concerned about the high volume of traffic in the areas of the crosswalks on Van Dyke Avenue at Hahn Street, as well as Cass Avenue and Hahn Street.

“With the onset of winter, when the sun rises later and sets earlier, visibility becomes a significant issue at the crosswalks on Van Dyke Avenue at Hahn Street, as well as Cass Avenue and Hahn Street,” he said.

To address this issue, the Utica Firefighter Association and Foundation decided to donate illuminated stop signs for the two crossings at these intersections.

“Our primary concern is that these crossings are dark during the morning hours when school starts in the winter months. We believe that this donation will enhance the visibility of the crossing guards and improve safety for the students using these intersections,” he said.

The LED signs are more noticeable, allowing drivers on Van Dyke and Cass Avenue to be more aware of these crossing points.

The firefighters held a presentation on Dec. 11 at Van Dyke and Hahn after their scheduled training.

“The safety of our crossing guards is very important to us; they help protect our children to get to school safely. It is very dangerous at Van Dyke and Hahn because of traffic and darkness, also at Cass and Hahn due to volume at the four-way stop and many cars turning. I felt it would be helpful to have reflective and also signs that light up for the guards to hold. This should help the safety of our children and the crossing guards. These signs will be provided by the Utica Firefighters Association. At the Fire Department, we are proud to help the community,” Ricketts said.

He said the Fire Department has been trying to get these to the guards for the last month, but was delayed due to investigating the products available, ordering, shipping and getting the signs delivered.

“We urge commuters to slow down when they see these illuminated crossing guard signs. It has been observed that the speed limit and sometimes traffic control lights are often not respected in these areas, and we hope that the new signs will encourage safer driving habits and increase awareness for both the crossing guards and the children crossing at the intersections of Van Dyke and Cass,” he said.

A sign has also been placed at the Flickinger Elementary School entrance dedicated to Lori McIntosh, who was a crossing guard there. She passed away last June from cancer, leaving her six children behind. The school community loved McIntosh. 

“I feel these crossing guards have a great responsibility,” Ricketts said.