NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Kids have gone back to school in Norfolk, but there’s still a shortage of crossing guards to help them safely get across the street.

Jim Bongiovi, a master police officer with the Norfolk Police Department, said they have 45 guards right now.

“If I can get 20 guards, it would be really helpful,” Bongiovi said. “I’m slotted for another 35, but 20 would help me out immensely.”

He spoke about the importance of the job.

“The crossing guards are out there for the safety of the children,” he said. “Trying to get them to and from school, getting them across these streets — safety, that’s our big thing.”

He said the shift would be one hour of work in the morning and 45 minutes of work in the afternoon with pay of $18 per hour.

He added that people 18 and up who work well with kids would be perfect for the job.

But with the shortage in mind, what would happen if a crossing guard called in sick?

“If somebody calls in sick, depending on where they’re at, if it’s on a major street, they’re being covered by a police officer if I don’t have a guard that I can move over there.”

Find out more information on how to apply to become a crossing guard.