Crossing guard retires after protecting children for nearly 55 years

A level crossing guard has hung up her vest after protecting children for almost 55 years.

Sandra Bellew, 87, has retired from Missouri’s Independence School District after more than half a century.

She first started the job in 1968 and has watched children grow up over the decades.

She has helped students, their children and even their grandchildren cross the road safely.

The mother of seven said she didn’t earn much, but she liked it and enjoyed her job.

She has been able to watch students, their children and even their grandchildren grow up and help them stay safe

Sandra said Good morning America: “It was a happy feeling and they all had such smiles on their faces.

‘[The students] kept telling me how much they are going to miss me.

“And of course I cried several times and it was just very healing in a way, knowing that they do care and that they will miss me.”

She said she will miss meeting new people and hugs from the kids.

Sandra also said she “planned to keep going until I couldn’t walk.”

In the video posted through the outlet, schoolchildren presented Sandra with a hand-drawn sign that read, “We will miss you, Ms. Sandra.”

The colorful and creative large piece of paper was signed by many of the children, who wrote personal messages to the level crossing operator.

Sandra was showered with love, because students even gave her flowers, hugs and posters.

Sandra first started the job in 1968 and has watched children grow up over the decades (pictured)

Groups of schoolchildren brought Sandra signs saying “We will miss you” along with “Happy Retirement” and also gave her hugs and flowers

In sweet conversation, you can hear her say, “I’m going to miss you” to one of the students before they say, “I’m going to miss you too!”

But now, after years of dedicating her time to the community, she plans to invest in herself.

She wants to take up sports – especially swimming and water aerobics – to stay strong, fit and healthy.