Kathy Iannantuano, who has worked as a crossing guard at the corner of Riveredge Road and Jefferson Avenue in Tenafly for several years, lost the diamond to her engagement ring while working her post on Tuesday.
"I can't even tell you the feeling that I had," Iannantuano said. "I can't even tell you about it now without getting emotional."
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Iannantuano's husband gave her that ring 52 years ago when he proposed, and when he passed away, the ring became even more special to her.
"Oh I didn't sleep, let me tell you. It was awful," Iannantuano said. "I never, it just was like the last part of my husband was gone. Because he's been dead three years and I never took that ring off, never."
Iannantuano searched the entire area and even returned with her son later that night, but neither could find the diamond.
The next day, the Tenafly Police Department decided to help, and within 20 minutes of searching, Officer Louis Smaragdakis found the stone on the road along the curb line mixed in with roadway debris and pebbles.
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"This is what we do," Officer Smaragdakis said. "It's about helping others."
Tenafly Polcie said Iannantuano was very "appreciative" of Officer Smaragdakis.
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