When it comes to those who ensure the safety of children during the school year, one would certainly think of teachers, administrators, security officers and others.

But perhaps one of the most important positions is the one that ensures that the children can get to and from school in the first place.Crossing guard Jesus Larosh has been taking care of that responsibility for over a decade now. After being laid off from a factory job, and following the passing of her husband, Larosh was offered a position by former Chief of Police Timothy Nothstein."I've been here 13 years since," Larosh said. "I think I'm the oldest one here yet."Nearly everyone who passes by the intersection at Third Street and Delaware Avenue seems to know Larosh, who prefers to go by the nickname "Tootsie."Driven by a love of protecting the local children, Larosh always sports a smile on the job.She loves asking the students about their days, and chatting with parents as they cross her path."You're a pillar in this community," Corina Hampton, a Palmerton resident and parent, said to Larosh as she waited on the corner with her son.While she works two half-hour shifts a day, morning and afternoon, Larosh keeps an ever-vigilant eye on each and every person who crosses Delaware Avenue and Third Street."They only cross when I'm in the middle of the street, and when I tell them to. I'm only supposed to be crossing the kids with their parents, but the older ones, I cross them anyway," she said.She has become quite the fixture, with the borough making sure she will return to her duty."They always call to ask if I'm coming back," she said with a laugh.The borough need not worry, though, as Larosh anticipates the return of school every year."I can't wait to get back to the job, because when I'm on vacation, I'm so bored," Larosh said.The Palmerton community relies upon those like Larosh, who truly enjoy what they do - that is, ensure the safety and security of students and parents alike."It keeps me going. I meet a lot of people, the mothers, fathers and children. I always know who I'm going to see at the corner," Larosh said.