Kansas crossing guard killed saving 2 children from being run over served in Korean War: 'Mr. Nill is a hero'
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS: An 88-year-old crossing guard tragically met his end while saving two children from being struck by a car. Bob Nill of Kansas City, Kansas, affectionately known to the community as "Mr. Bob", was on his regular shift in front of Christ the King Catholic School when he was struck by a black sedan. He died of his injuries after being transported to a local hospital in critical condition, the Kansas City Police Department said.
Mr Bob was trying to stop traffic for children going to the school when he was hit shortly before 8 am on Leavenworth Road, said Officer Jonathon Westbrook, a spokeperson for the department.
School principal Cathy Fithian told The Kansas City Star that Mr Bob prevented two students who were getting ready to cross the road by getting in the way of the sedan by shouting at them to stop.
He had been on the job for five years.
Following his death, the school put up a Facebook post to pay tribute to the deceased's years of service where he kept children safe. "Our hearts are heavy as we inform you of [Nill]'s passing. Please continue to keep Mr. Nill and his family in your prayers as well as the students, parents, and teachers who witnessed today's accident," the school said. "Also know that Mr. Nill is a hero. He stopped two of our students from crossing the road as the car approached."
Principal Fithian told The Star that Nill always used to put the safety of children first and that a number of students at the school had given him gifts for Valentine's Day.
"He always thought about the kids more than himself," Fithian said. "We just want his family to know what a loving heart he had and the community to know what a blessing he was for our community."
Kansas City Mayor David Alvey also had some kind words for Nill. "Mr. Nill's act of selfless devotion to the children under his care inspires all of us," he told CBS News. "We are grateful for the goodness that he has given to our community for so many years."
According to his obituary page, Nill "proudly served during the Korean War by enlisting in the US Coast Guard stationed onboard USCGC WINONA (WPG-65), Port Angeles, Washington."
The page added: "A dedicated sports fan, Bob would always have pleasant chit-chat with family and friends concerning the Kansas City Chief and the Kansas City Royals. He prided himself that he was able to see his Chiefs win two Superbowl's and his Royals win two World Series."