After nearly three decades of dedicated service, Margaret “Maggie” Johnson, fondly known as ‘Miss Maggie’, is retiring from her position as a school crossing guard at P.S. 198 in Brooklyn.
Miss Maggie, who will be turning 90 this year, has become a beloved figure in the Clinton Hill community where she has been ensuring the safety of students and pedestrians for over 27 years. Her friendly smile and warm personality have made her an integral part of the neighborhood.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Miss Maggie joined the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in 1957 as one of the first female officers. She served for over 30 years before retiring as a sergeant. But retirement didn’t slow down Miss Maggie, as she soon began working as a school crossing guard in 1993.
Throughout her career, Miss Maggie has witnessed the changing landscape of Clinton Hill and has become a familiar face to generations of families in the area. She has also seen an increase in traffic and pedestrian safety concerns, making her role as a crossing guard even more crucial.
According to recent data from the NYC Department of Transportation, there were nearly 400 pedestrian injuries and fatalities on roads surrounding P.S. 198 between 2015-2019. However, thanks to Miss Maggie’s dedication and diligence, there have been no reported incidents involving students at her intersection during her time as a crossing guard.
Her commitment to the safety of children has not gone unnoticed. In 2011, Mayor Michael Bloomberg awarded her with a Citizen Appreciation Award for her service as a crossing guard. And in 2015, she was honored by P.S. 198 with her own personalized street sign at the corner of Lafayette and Classon Avenues.
Miss Maggie’s retirement may be bittersweet for the community, but she leaves behind an unforgettable legacy and countless memories for those who have crossed paths with her on their daily commute.
As she looks forward to spending more time with family and enjoying well-deserved rest, Miss Maggie is grateful for the love and appreciation shown by students, parents, and neighbors throughout the years. Her strong work ethic and unwavering dedication to the community will always be remembered and cherished.
