Philadelphia crossing guard, 85, retiring after 43 years

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- A Philadelphia crossing guard retiring at the age of 85 after 43 years on the job was honored with a City Council Citation for her service.

Willie Fullwood was given a standing ovation at her retirement party Thursday at Philadelphia Police 14th District in Germantown and officials praised her for her 43 years of service helping schoolkids cross the street.

"We're very proud of her. We're obviously sad to lose her, such a dedicated professional, but we look forward to her having a prosperous rest of her life," Chief Inspector Carl Holmes told KYW-TV.

Fullwood was honored with a City Council Citation for her service and congratulations from Commissioner Charles Ramsey.

"It's good to be here, and I thank the community. I thank the police district for allowing me to work this long because one time I thought maybe they would have taken me off the corner because of my age, but they didn't and I'm happy about it," Fullwood told WPVI-TV.