She was there watching over and crossing kids to school in Fair Haven for more than 25 years. She took her job seriously. She loved and looked after many. No one would dare take a single step into the road without her nod, loud whistle, broad outstretched arms with stop sign palms and her iconic “CROOOOOOSS!” bellow.  She is Dorothy Breckenridge; and she turned 88 on Tuesday.

She is also the mother of several Fair Haven children — one of them, Darryl, was police chief for many years. He and Dorothy’s other children will tell you without hesitation that their longtime Fair Haven  mom was always a stalwart, devoted role model with a heart of gold and great love of Fair Haven and all of its kids.

Many who have grown children of their own now remember her well and cherish the “CROOOOOSS!”

So, the happiest of birthdays, Mrs. Breckenridge! Because of you, we all remember how to cross properly and most of us likely taught our own kids to stop, look both ways and be sure the road is clear before taking even one step off that curb! We also remember how you passed your sense of community caring and pride onto many young ones.