PARK RIDGE, N.J. — A school security officer is receiving praise for saving a student from being pinned between two vehicles in the morning drop-off line.
Video from the Park Ridge Police Department shows the West Ridge Elementary student get out on the driver’s side and walk behind the vehicle to the sidewalk. She then turns back around to grab something she dropped when the car starts to reverse, reports ABC 7. That’s when Office Mike Stallone grabbed the student and brought her to safety.
The quick actions of Stallone “prevented a child from being seriously injured,” according to police.
“Officer Stallone is a safety officer,” said Park Ridge Police Captain Joseph Rampolla. “And by being here, we think of worst-case scenarios. But what happened with that little girl is something that happens any day or any other type of emergency where we have an officer on scene ready to help out.”
Park Ridge Police and the Park Ridge School District have been working together to assign Class III Special Law Enforcement Officers to protect students. Stallone has been in law enforcement for over twenty years but was only an SSO at West Ridge for three weeks before the June 6 incident.
“It’s a pleasure, the kids are truly precious. It’s good to be able to take care of the kids and make sure they have a great childhood here,” said Stallone. “We’re here to do whatever we can to try and make it a safe environment for the kids.”
Here are some best practices to ensure student safety during drop-off and pick-up:
- Don’t cut in line
- Remain in your vehicle at all times
- Follow the posted speed limit
- Obey crossing guards
- Avoid double parking
- Put your cell phone away
- Have children’s bags packed before getting in line
- Have children get out on the passenger side of the vehicle whenever possible
