North Bergen Resident Arrested in Connection to Hit-and-Run Incident Amid Growing Crossing Guard Shortage
North Bergen, NJ – In a shocking incident that has further highlighted the growing concerns regarding a crossing guard shortage, township resident Julio Seoane-Alamo was arrested by North Bergen police on Friday. Seoane-Alamo is suspected to be involved in a hit-and-run incident that left an 11-year-old boy injured.
The incident took place just blocks away from an elementary school in a residential neighborhood that is home to many families with school-aged children. Concerned parents have raised their voices, stating that there used to be a crossing guard at the intersection of 76th Street and Hudson Avenue. However, due to a staffing shortage, that guard was relocated to a busier intersection.
Theresa Pesantes, who has lived in the community for 25 years, expressed her frustration, saying, “We have done multiple inquiries about getting a crossing guard replaced on this street, but there hasn’t been any luck.”
The responsibility of hiring and training crossing guards lies with Public Safety and the Traffic Division, with the township allocating the necessary funds. However, officials have revealed that there has been a significant decrease in interest for the position. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the township is currently facing a shortage of 20-30 crossing guards compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Commissioner of Public Safety, Allen Pascual, acknowledged the challenges faced by the department, stating, “We’ve done quite a bit in recruiting. We’re starting a new campaign now. We’re doing a lot of things without the crossing guards. More lighting, pedestrian crossing, but it’s been a challenge.”
The shortage has forced the department to reassign crossing guards to prioritize the most critical intersections. Pascual stated, “With the traffic division, we’re prioritizing the hotspots and we’re moving crossing guards all over the place.”
In an effort to attract more applicants, Commissioner Pascual is advocating for a pay increase for crossing guards. “Our issue is just getting people to come back to work. They didn’t come back once the students came back and we’re recruiting,” he said.
Meanwhile, Julio Seoane-Alamo is now facing multiple charges, including assault by auto and endangering the welfare of a child. Fortunately, the 11-year-old boy involved in the hit-and-run incident did not sustain any serious injuries.
The incident and subsequent arrest have ignited a renewed sense of urgency among community members and officials to address the crossing guard shortage promptly. Ensuring the safety of children and pedestrians must remain a top priority for the township of North Bergen.