A school crossing guard who possibly prevented a tragedy at an elementary school is being honored Tuesday by the Miami-Dade Police Department.
Rodel Dolce will receive the Bronze Medal of Valor and the Distinguished Civilian Employee of the Month awards presented by Miami-Dade Police Director James K. Loftus, according to Javier Baez of Miami-Dade police.
In May, Dolce noticed a shiny object in the waistband of a male student walking to Natural Bridge Elemenary School. The crossing guard immediately questioned the student and confiscated the knife. He allowed the student to walk to school because he had no legal ability to detain him, according to authorities.
Dolce's supervisor, Martha Rosario, told the school principal, Janice Hutson. School administration identified the student the following day and took formal action as a result of Dolce's discovery, according to Miami-Dade police.
"His commitment to keeping students safe not just in traffic, but also from possible physical harm, as well as his courage to remain steadfast in ensuring the student was identified, is worthy of recognition," Baez said in a statement.
Authorities say it is still unknown why the boy had the knife on the way to school.
Dolce's supervisor, Martha Rosario, told the school principal, Janice Hutson. School administration identified the student the following day and took formal action as a result of Dolce's discovery, according to Miami-Dade police.
"His commitment to keeping students safe not just in traffic, but also from possible physical harm, as well as his courage to remain steadfast in ensuring the student was identified, is worthy of recognition," Baez said in a statement.
Authorities say it is still unknown why the boy had the knife on the way to school.
