PLAIN CITY — Sometimes guardian angels wear cowboy boots.
That’s the case of Arnie Williams who recently received a plaque from the city honoring his 20 years of service to the community and the school children of Plain City.
The plaque reads “In honor of twenty years of dedicated service”, and those who know Arnie say that is exactly the kind of service he has given.
No matter the weather, Arnie has been in place at the school to help the children cross safely. He has been accompanied by Sheila, his small dog and loyal companion.
In his 20 years of service to the children, Arnie said there were some close calls because children can be very impulsive, but there has not been one accident.
Arnie said he has resigned as a crossing guard because of health issues, but will miss the children he watched over.
He was born in 1928 and grew up in the Ogden area. He moved to Plain City in 1990 and said he grew to love the community there. Arnie has three daughters and one son and more than 40 great- and great-great grandchildren. His living room is full of pictures of smiling children and family members.
Arnie doesn’t think he is important and said it is the safety of the children that is of real importance, something he helped to ensure over his 20 years of service.
“I would always wait for the stragglers,” said Arnie. He wanted to make sure even the children arriving a little late for school crossed the street safely before he went home.
Arnie started his service at the old Plain City Elementary School, and became the crossing guard for the new school when that was built.
Before serving as a crossing guard, Arnie worked in Ogden City as a reserve officer and worked many years at Weber State University as the shipping and receiving supervisor in the book store. He retired from Weber State after 21 years, so one way or another he has helped many to receive an education. He said after retiring he wanted to try something new, so he became a crossing guard.
The cowboy boots will still be put to good use, as Arnie cares for his animals, including a horse, peacocks, chickens and goats.
“I’ve enjoyed the kids,” said Arnie. “They were the ones who made being a crossing guard enjoyable for me.”
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