Smiles Meet Safety: How Local Crossing Guards Impact Students Every Day

They are the first line of defense — and often the first smiles of the day — for students and families across Kern County. Melvin Wandick and Mike LaBarge are just two of dozens of dedicated crossing guards serving schools across the county, but their stories reflect how a wave, a smile, and a few kind words can shape a student’s entire day. In return, students leave behind memories and moments that stay with the guards long after the final bell rings.

For the past four years, Wandick — known to many as “Mr. Melvin” — has faithfully protected students at Fruitvale Junior High School from his corner at Calloway Drive and Holland Street.

At 66, Wandick retired from the Pactiv Evergreen Plant expecting to enjoy a slower pace of life. Instead, the days felt long, and boredom quickly set in.

“I wasn’t trying to get richer,” Wandick said. “I just wanted something to do.”

That “something” found him when he noticed a crossing guard interacting with students and families. Struck by the genuine connection, Wandick stopped to ask about the job. The guard handed him a card for J&J Special Services, a local crossing guard company, which led to Wandick submitting an application.

Since 1976, J&J Special Services has provided crossing guards to school districts throughout Kern County. The company places guards at district-requested locations, hires and trains employees, conducts Department of Justice Live Scan background checks, and supplies all necessary equipment and uniforms.

Elementary students roll down their windows to greet Mr. Melvin before heading to school.

Over time, Wandick built strong relationships with students, families, and even passing drivers.

Eighth grader Parker Miller shared how Wandick’s presence sets the tone for his day.

“I get dropped off near the gate, but every morning I hear him shout to me from across the street ‘Hello, good morning! Have a great day!’” Miller said. “That always puts a smile on my face.”

Last year, that familiar voice was suddenly gone. Wandick suffered a heart attack and spent several months recovering at home.

His absence did not go unnoticed.

Messages poured into the school from students, staff, parents, and even community members without children enrolled — all asking the same question: “What happened to Mr. Melvin?”

Principal Erick Rouanzoin recalls one visit in particular.

“A man came in with his young daughter and said, ‘I know this may sound weird, but I don’t have a student who goes here,’” Rouanzoin said. “‘My daughter is concerned about what happened to your crossing guard.’”

The concern extended far beyond the school gates — and Wandick felt it deeply.

“I told the doctor that I needed to get back to my corner,” said Wandick. “I started this job because I did not want to sit around and do nothing.”

A week later, he returned.

Waiting for him were two boxes filled with “get well soon” cards and handwritten notes from students and community members who missed his daily greetings.

At the end of the school year, Wandick was honored as a special guest at graduation and presented with a stop sign covered on the back with student signatures.

“That made me feel truly blessed,” Wandick said. “I watched a lot of them grow up. Many still come back just to say good morning or tell me they miss me.”

That impact continues to ripple outward. Wandick’s wife, Brenda, was inspired to become a crossing guard herself during retirement. When she trained at Wandick’s corner, students jokingly warned her, “You better not replace Mr. Melvin!” — unaware she was only filling in temporarily, and that the two are married.

Despite standing at one of Bakersfield’s busiest intersections, Wandick has kept every student and pedestrian safe. His dedication is clearly recognized — law enforcement officers frequently wave or flash their lights in greeting as they pass each morning.

“For years I used to say, ‘I’m getting ready to go to school.’ And now, I am still saying the same thing every day!”

– Mike LaBarge

Meanwhile and miles away, traffic rushes through the intersection of Old Farm Road and Yearling Avenue. Mike LaBarge raises his hand, smiles, and steps into the street. For the past nine years, that simple routine has meant safety for students at Patriot Elementary — and reassurance for families who recognize him instantly.

Before taking his post on the corner, LaBarge spent 32 years as a teacher in the Bakersfield City School District and in Delano. Retirement didn’t mean stepping away from students; it simply meant finding a new way to serve them.

He wanted flexible hours, to stay active, and a little extra income to travel out of state and watch his grandchildren play football.

The idea came from his brother-in-law, who spoke highly of his own experience as a crossing guard and the fulfillment it brought in retirement. LaBarge applied and quickly realized the role felt like a natural extension of his life in education.

“For years I used to say, ‘I’m getting ready to go to school.’ And now, I am still saying the same thing every day!”

Over the years, LaBarge has built lasting bonds with students who pass through “his corner.” One memory still makes him laugh.

“I was pummeled by water balloons by some students who were third graders at the time,” LaBarge said. “We talked to each other every day and were always joking around. One day they surprised me and let me have it. Now they’re in high school — time goes by so fast.”

Those daily interactions have created a sense of familiarity LaBarge is proud of — one he carries into every wave he gives to parents and passing drivers.

“I always like to wave,” he said. “I want people to know I’m here. It reminds drivers to slow down and pay attention. There’s a presence.”

Patriot Elementary leaders spoke highly of LaBarge, noting that he interacts with every student, knows families by first name, and in many cases, families will park and walk just so they can interact with Mike.

“He is phenomenal at his job and has a great relationship with students, families, and the entire Patriot community,” King said.

That presence has helped keep safety at the forefront. Like Wandick, LaBarge has never had an accident on his watch and is firm about following pedestrian safety procedures.

“When you’ve been there a long time, the kids know you,” he said. “Some crossing guards use whistles — I don’t. I tell them, ‘Come on across.’ When I say that, it means every car is stopped and I know it’s absolutely safe. That’s our cue.”

Though they stand miles apart on different corners, Wandick and LaBarge — like dozens of crossing guards across Kern County — share the same purpose: protecting students, building trust, and providing peace of mind for families as they send their children across the road each day. For many crossing guards, that responsibility is deeply personal.

“They are my main value,” Wandick said. “By coming and doing the job, I am here for them. I feel so blessed.”