Friends and family gathered Sunday in Burlington, New Jersey, to honor the community’s beloved cross guard.
Earlier this month, Bruce Morlack subsequently passed away he was hit by a car while helping two students cross the street.
Now he is remembered as a hero.
“We sadden the crossing guard who not only always smiled, but made us all laugh with a wave, a song on his harmonica, an encouraging or funny word for the children he helped cross coming and going from school,” says Pastor Abie Kulynych, of City of Refuge Fellowship, said.
Morlack was killed earlier this month while escorting two boys across Jacksonville Road at a marked crosswalk near Burlington City High School. Surveillance from that morning shows the 74-year-old holding up his stop sign when he and the two boys are almost hit by one car and seconds later another comes straight at them. Police say Morlack saved the two students from being hit.
“His commitment to the community is unwavering and he has gone above and beyond to ensure others were safe. Mr. Morlack is a true hero in every sense of the word,” said Acting Chief Ryan Elbertson of the Burlington Police Department.
The community gathered Sunday afternoon to honor the cross guard who they said was known for his kindness, dedication to safety and playing his harmonica. A bright yellow jacket and stop sign on display as a tribute to the man who touched so many. The family of one of the boys who was with Morlack when he was hit sent a letter to be read at the wake:
“It was overwhelming to see the footage of Bruce pulling Jace from the first car and then rescuing both Jace and his friend from the second car,” said an event organizer.
Morlack’s own son-in-law also shared more about Bruce Morlack, the father and grandfather.
‘He was always with his family. I want you to know that this is his legacy,” said his son-in-law Ray. “That man loved his family immensely.”
And then the community had a final farewell, consisting of glow sticks and a special harmonica performance for the smiling cross guard who served his students until his dying breath.
The Burlington City School District said it is working with the state to create safer crossings and school zones.
Liz Crawford
