Posted on Tuesday 23rd December 2025
Both David and Shakiya find working in the School Crossing Patrol service very rewarding.
Two members of Staffordshire County Council’s School Crossing Patrol service have come together to wish the county a happy Christmas and to remind people that age doesn’t matter when it comes to being a lollipop man or woman.
David Taylor, aged 85 from Cannock, is the oldest member of the service, having been a lollipop man for 20 years. On the other end, the youngest member of the service, 19-year-old Shakiya Wheeler from Lichfield, has only been in post for two months.
The pair have come together to share their experiences and what they love about their jobs.
David said:
“I absolutely love being a lollipop man and the chance it gives me to meet and talk to lots of people.
“I'll help anyone cross the road and knowing that I’m helping get children safely to and from school is really rewarding. Getting that thanks from the community is a great feeling along with the many Christmas cards and presents I’ve received.
“It’s funny, I’ve been doing the job for so long now that I’ve seen children that I've crossed to school grow up and come back with their own children.”
Shakiya also values connecting with families and the wider community, as well as being out in the fresh air.
She said:
“It’s really nice to see confidence change with the kids and families and the children getting more talkative. Seeing the same people every day, getting a smile and a wave from the families is great.
“Being the youngest patrol is good fun but I hope it encourages other younger people to consider the role. It’s a truly rewarding thing to do.”
Staffordshire has more than 220 patrols, working outside schools and busy sections of road right across the county.
Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“It’s wonderful to see both David and Shakiya come together to share their stories and to highlight their dedication to keeping families safe every school day.
“With over 200 patrols working from Biddulph in the north to Kinver in the south and Burton in the east of the county, they all do a vital role in keeping families and pupils safe. David and Shakiya have also shown that age is no barrier when it comes to being a crossing patrol.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to all our patrols for what they do and hope everyone has a happy Christmas.”
Further information on the service is available on the Staffordshire County Council’s School Crossing Patrol service webpage.