NEWS

Local crossing guard a favourite

Peter Atienza celebrated
A CANADIAN FAVOURITE: Forest Hill crossing guard Peter Atienza was celebrated in December for his service at Oriole Park Public School.

One of Canada’s favourite crossing guards can be found right in midtown.

Peter Atienza, a 16-year veteran crossing guard who for the last five years has patrolled the intersection one block south of Eglinton Avenue West and Avenue Road for Oriole Park Public School, was named on Dec. 18 one of Canada’s four favourite crossing guards by FedEx Express Canada and Parachute, a not-for-profit pedestrian safety firm.

The other winners of Canada’s Favourite Crossing Guard Contest, all from Ontario, are Dale Martin of London, Gerry Brown of Watford and Penny Easter of Brockville.

Atienza, 76, has been known to put himself in harm’s way during his duties as a crossing guard. Last winter, he pushed children into a snowbank when a car skidded off the road. He checked to make sure the kids were unhurt and did the same for the driver of the car.

Atienza was honoured during a ceremony at Oriole Park Public School, where he and the school each received $500. Atienza was also presented with an engraved crystal maple leaf plaque and a winter jacket identifying him as one of Canada’s favourite crossing guards.