Crime & Safety

After 45 Years, Crossing Guard Stops

Bunnie Stein, 81, has retired after 45 years helping Tinley Park students get to school safely.

After 45 years as a Tinley Park school crossing guard, Bunnie Stein, 81, started to see some familiar faces.

"I have kids who come up and say, 'My grandpa said you used to cross him' and 'My grandma said you used to cross her,'" Stein said. "That makes you feel good."

Stein spent every school year from Oct. 1, 1965, to June 4, 2010, helping students walk safely to their classes. Police and village officials, along with family and friends, honored Stein for her retirement at a luncheon Wednesday.

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"45 years is just an incredible tenure," said Trustee Dave Seaman.

Stein spent the last 30 years of her career helping Memorial students across the intersection of 179th Street and Oak Park Avenue.

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"All the kids know her. She's like a grandmother to them," said police records supervisor Betty Borrowdale, who has known Stein for more than 20 years. "Everybody knows Bunnie. Everybody knows Bunnie."

Police Chief Mike O'Connell presented Stein a plaque at the Wednesday luncheon, along with a clock.

"We should set it permanently at 11 in the morning so you don't have anywhere to be," O'Connell joked.

Stein, who welled up during the speeches and applause, said she will miss the children. She won't miss winters. She laughed when asked if there was shelter for her on cold days.

"You just put a lot of clothes on. Long underwear. And you wear a greatcoat when it's windy. It cuts the wind," the 81-year-old said.

Daughter Kyle Binette of Tinley Park said her mother was famous among her childhood friends.

"All the kids knew my mom as the crossing guard," Binette said.

Stein said what she looks forward to most is finally being able to take a vacation during the school year.


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