Hometown hero: Longtime crossing guard in Belle Harbor hangs up the neon vest
BELLE HARBOR, Queens (WABC) -- The streets of Belle Harbor came alive during a grand parade to celebrate Mary Murray - a crossing guard hanging up her neon vest after 47 years on the job.
She's been the guardian of the intersection at Cronston Avenue and Beach 134th Street since 1978, often the first and last smile students at P.S. 114 see each day.
"...I wave to all the kids in the carriages. And before the year's over, they're waving back at me," said Murray.
She has watched students grow up and have families of their own. Kelly Vescy says she help her cross the street when she was in kindergarten. Now she helps her kids.
"She's just a fixture in the neighborhood," said Vescy.
Murray moved to Belle Harbor from Manhattan in 1972. She drew on her experience as a mother of seven children to help her do the job.
When asked about her next chapter in life, she said "hopefully sleeping past five in the morning."
And spending time with her first great-grandchild due in October.
For the soon to be 88-year-old, this isn't goodbye.
"I'll probably end up here Monday morning."
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