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Beloved crossing guard from small Missouri city gets big attention

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In central Missouri, there’s a city of about 5,000 residents. But the small community is getting some national attention, thanks to one of its beloved residents.

Lyn Woolford is not only Ashland, Missouri’s police chief, he ensures the children of Ashland get to school safely by directing traffic every morning.

"Leadership includes participation," Woolford says.

Crossing guard and police chief are just a few of the many hats Woolford wears. But even with so much responsibility as the newly appointed police chief, Woolford says he couldn’t give up his crossing guard gig after six years.

“Evidentially I have a knack for this, and I do it well,” he says.

That's why the school got together this year to let Chief Woolford know they appreciate his commitment. They nominated him for a special recognition, and Woolford won!

The chief was named “America’s Favorite Crossing Guard” by the group Safe Kids Worldwide. His award earned the Southern Boone School District a $10,000 prize to continue keeping roads safe.