Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/233139
Sarasota News Leader December 27, 2013 know them, and their parents. She frequently runs into former students who have moved on. They recognize her, but they're not always sure from where right away. They don't recognize her without the vest and the rest of the crossing guard getup. Amazingly, Stallings says, dire warnings to the contrary, young kids haven't really changed over the decades. Elementary students are still "true and honest," she says — years away from the painful drama of junior high and the know-it-all attitudes of high-schoolers. Not every crossing guard lasts as long as Stallings. Some are on the job just a couple of days. "One man relieved himself behind his car," Stallings laughs. "You have people that just do crazy things." But many others have been on the corner for 15 to 20 years, still Page 84 nowhere near Stallings' record, which she thinks might be the longest tenure not just in Florida, but in the U.S. "I don't think that's ever been checked," she adds. Most days, Stallings loved the work, so why'd she hang up the uniform? "I'm 78, almost 79: Does that tell you something?" she replies. Not that the job was wearing her out. "I just felt like I should retire," she says. "I should have some time that I can do things, time to be home." On Nov. 14, when the Sarasota Police Department, which oversees the crossing guard program, held a retirement ceremony honoring Stallings, Police Chief Bernadette DiPino called Stallings "part of our family" while thanking her. Former Chief Mikel Holloway also praised her during the event, Former Police Chief Mikel Holloway joins in the retirement festivities for Barbara Stallings. Photo by Norman Schimmel