By the time he retired in 1980, he had obtained the rank of lieutenant while working under three different police chiefs. During his police days, Boren was the first officer assigned specifically to handle matters involving juveniles. He also administered the in-house police officer training schools. It's the same thing now, I learn as much from the kids as they learn from me. Boren said he can tell a lot about the students he helps cross the street just by watching and listening.
Kids are just like adults, no two are alike.
But I've learned if you give them a smile, they're usually going to smile back. While faces change each school year, Boren said the job remains the same as it did when he started. He said he takes a firm approach to safety, but tries to be friendly to all the students he serves. Even though he is only a crossing guard, Boren said many of the children consider him their friend. Once in a while I'll have one of them come back after they are out of school and see me.