Student praised for helping injured crossing guard
A Niagara Falls elementary student has been recognized for a “selfless and courageous act” when he helped a school crossing guard who was struck by a vehicle last month.
Jack Adams, a student at James Morden Public School, witnessed a hit-andrun Feb. 2 at Dorchester and McLeod roads involving crossing guard Mario Zappitelli.
In an emailed statement to the Niagara Falls Review, Niagara Regional Police Const. Phil Gavin said at 11:08 a.m. that day the crossing guard was performing his duties when he was hit by a black Ford Escape.
Gavin said the driver left the scene. Investigating officers later located the vehicle and driver. An 85-year-old Niagara Falls man was charged with careless driving.
Gavin said the crossing guard went to hospital on his own.
In a post to his Facebook page, Mayor Jim Diodati said the student “did the right thing by staying back to help with the scene and offered his assistance as a witness if need be.”
“On behalf of our City of Niagara Falls, we’d like to thank this young man for his bravery and willingness to assist in this unfortunate situation.”
This past week, Diodati recognized the boy at city hall for his “big-heartedness,” as did Zappitelli and school crossing guard co-ordinator Julie Ellis.
“Any time a member of the public steps forward to assist a person in need that they do not know, it is a selfless and courageous act,” said Gavin. “It speaks well to the character of this young man, and he should be proud of himself.”
In an interview, Ellis said Dorchester and McLeod is “quite a busy intersection.”
“He had entered the crosswalk with his sign raised ready to go and was about to cross when a vehicle made a right-hand turning movement … and the two of them connected,” she said.
“The guard said he was spun from the movement. He did not fall down. He didn’t hit the ground, but it connected with his shoulder area.”
Ellis said the driver “froze for a split second,” enough time for Zappitelli to look at the licence plate.”
“It happened so fast, and the driver, I don’t know if it was out of shock or whatnot, didn’t stick around to see if the guard was OK,” she said.
“Jack made sure the guard was OK. He saw the whole thing, and he made the offer to talk to the police about what he had seen, which was very brave and very bold of him for such a young man. My understanding is that he hung out a little bit at the corner a couple of times, just kind of keeping an eye on (Zappitelli). It affected him deeply enough to be worried and concerned for the safety of the guard. Such a brave young man.”
Ellis said even after being struck by the vehicle, Zappitelli continued with his duties that day.
“He got the student and himself off the roadway safely and he continued his shift. He contacted me at the end of his crossing shift, so for him, his priorities were, I’m still standing, I’m going to make sure everybody is OK, I’m still doing my job. He did go for medical treatment, and he had some pain and discomfort in his shoulder/rotator cuff area, but he’s been back to work ever since.”