Beloved crossing guard killed in Queens promoted posthumously
QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) – A crossing guard who was killed after she was hit by a truck in Queens last October was posthumously promoted to community coordinator during an event Thursday.
Krystyna Naprawa, who worked as a crossing guard for 13 years, was working at the intersection of Woodhaven Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue when she was struck by a turning vehicle.
"Importantly, she knew that nothing was more critical – or more honorable – than keeping our kids safe," Police Commissioner Edward Caban said.
In addition to honoring Naprawa, Caban announced that a revised training curriculum will be implemented for crossing guards. Crossing guards will also be given new equipment, including new reflective vests, whistles and "stop" paddles.
Crossing guards will also be required to attend an annual refresher course.
The intersection of Woodhaven Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue will no longer be a single-person post, according to Caban.
Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.