by Sgt. Troy Christianson of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: My grandkids get to be on their school’s “School Patrol.” I am so happy they get to help but can you talk about this? I want people to be aware to help keep them and everyone safe. Thank you for all you do.

Answer: Congratulations to your grandchildren! You should be proud as it is quite an honor to be serve on those School Patrols.

A little history lesson on the School Patrol. The idea of the School Patrol originated with Sister Carmela of the Cathedral School in St. Paul on Feb. 21, 1921 when the first patrolmen were stationed at the intersection of Kellogg Boulevard and Summit Avenue in Saint Paul. Adopted citywide by the City of St. Paul in 1922 as a part of the program of the School System and the St. Paul Police Department, it was also adopted as a statewide program by the Minnesota State Patrol. Generations of children for over 100 years have served on the School Patrol all across Minnesota.

When you see a student safety patrol helping schoolmates cross a street or highway, you must come to a complete stop. You must also stop for adult crossing guards displaying a stop sign or flag. It is illegal to drive through a line of children crossing the road, even if a school safety patrol is not present. Violating this law is a misdemeanor. A second violation within a year is a gross misdemeanor.

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848. (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)