MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Police Department is putting out the call for school crossing guards for elementary schools in the city.

The department says this part-time job is ideal for retirees, stay-at-home parents, or perhaps someone looking for extra income.

We’re days before the first day of a new school year, and students, teachers, gearing up for the first day.

So is school crossing guard Doris Cooper.

This upcoming year, she will be at Sea Isle Elementary, dedicating decades to the job, in the blistering heat, in the freezing cold, she says it’s all about the children and their families.

“And Monday, they will be all over the place, probably,” said School Crossing Guard Doris Cooper.

“Well I get a little nervous about the first two weeks but then you get used to it,” said Cooper.

“You get used to the people who is going to be there, who is going to be crossing and you got some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet,” said Cooper.

Cooper said she’s been on the job, helping students and families safely cross the street before and after school for 46 years.

She said that she does not want to slow down yet and she enjoys the job, the children and the people.

At 82 years old, with 9 grandchildren of her own, her reasoning for getting on the job is simple.

“I love children,” said Cooper.

She started back in the early 80s, after working at the department store Goldsmith’s.

But she was influenced at a young age. 

“When I was a young girl my friend’s mother was a guard. We called them police ladies back then and she was so professional and I was just always so impressed with her and I crossed with her most every day,” said Cooper.

“Sometimes I’ll hang around and talk when everyone else is gone,” said Cooper.

“If I know that someone is going to be out there, I’m going to be here,” said Cooper.

“You just have to do it, you know you have to do it,” she said.

“We’re there for the children, we’re there for the people,” said Cooper. “My mother always told me, ‘treat people the way you want to be treated yourself,’ and I’ve tried to live with that you know.”

She says drivers need to slow down and stay alert.

“Watch for the children in case one of them darts out because some of them will,” said Cooper.

The position is for elementary schools across Memphis for 10 hours a week, $15.65 an hour. You would be working one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon.

If you are interested in being a part-time crossing guard, click this link.