Hero Crossing Guard Honored In Long Island

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A Nassau County street corner was renamed Tuesday in honor of a late crossing guard who kept students safe for nearly three decades.

Virginia Leviner, affectionately known as Miss Carol, lost her life six weeks ago after she was struck and killed by a tractor trailer at the corner of Grove St. and South Franklin St.

Witnesses told CBS2 that the 67-year-old crossing guard was holding up her stop sign as the tractor-trailer was coming down the street and did not stop.

Leviner was killed in an attempt to move several children out of harms way.

Leviner's husband, Tallie, explained to CBS2's Jennifer McLogan that his wife's post meant much more to her than just guiding children safely across the street.

She would sometimes bring some of the less fortunate children into her own home to bathe and feed them.

Over the years, a deep respect for Miss Carol grew through the neighborhood.

"We love her, we miss her now, we will continue to miss her," said Hempstead Village Police Chief Michael McGowan.

"She's been here 28 years so you can imagine how many kids went by," said Mayor Wayne Hill. "She is going to live in our memories."

10-year-old Juella Bynoe said that when she looks up and sees the sign, she sees that Miss Carol is loved.

She considers it very special that the street has been renamed in her honor.