On August 9th at 9 a.m., the City of Prattville Police Department held a reception to show their appreciation to School Crossing Guard Esther Cook for 37 years of dedicated service to the City of Prattville and the Preferred Community.

Chief Alfred Wadsworth spoke on behalf of all present.

"We are here this morning to honor and express to Esther Cook our appreciation for 37 years of dedicated service to the Prattville Police Department and the citizens of our city. She has been a long-time fixture at Memorial Drive and Dozier Avenue performing school crossing duties," said Wadsworth.

"When Esther was hired on August 15, 1972, Mac Gray was the Mayor, Richard Nixon was the President, the cost of a gallon of gas was 55 cents, Governor George Wallace was shot three times in an assassination attempt, and on the day she was hired, Ben Affleck, the movie star, was born. Her pay was $1.60 per hour," he continued.

"Esther has distinguished herself not only by the duration of time, but by the quality of service. Only one accident ever happened at her post and no children were harmed. We owe to her a great debt of gratitude for showing us that the right person doing the right job in the right way stays among the very young at heart. As the great Yogi Berra said - 'I want to thank our guest of honor for making this occasion necessary,'" Chief Wadsworth concluded.

Mayor Byard reminded everyone that back in the mid 1970s, he worked for Mrs. Cook as a school crossing guard. He thanked her for her service and stated that folks will miss Mrs. Cook's friendly wave every morning and afternoon.

Lt. Pat Kowalczyk presented Mrs. Cook with a Certificate of Appreciation and a wonderful gift on behalf of the entire department.

The City of Prattville wishes Esther the best of all that life can bring. She will be sorely missed.

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