A South Jersey school security guard was fatally injured Friday morning while protecting two students, police said.
Burlington City resident Bruce Morlack, 74, “took heroic action” to prevent two city students from being hit by a car in a marked crosswalk on Jacksonville Road near James Street, Burlington City police said.
The students were not injured in the 7:20 a.m. crash near Burlington City High School, according to a letter to the community on the school district’s website.
The letter stated that Morlack was taken to a hospital in Trenton in critical condition. Police announced his death around 6 p.m
Elderly pedestrian killed: Man hit by car on Ganttown Road in Washington Township
“We are incredibly grateful for the Cross Guard’s efforts to ensure our students cross the streets safely,” said the letter, which was written before Morlack’s death.
The letter — from Superintendent of Schools John Russell and the district’s school safety specialist James Flynn — also urged motorists to “use extra caution when driving near schools and remain alert for students crossing the street.”
The driver who struck Morlack “remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation,” according to a police statement.
The school district activated its crisis response team after learning of the accident and is cooperating with police in the investigation, according to the letter from Russell and Flynn.
“We are committed to supporting students who witnessed or were otherwise affected by this morning’s incident,” they wrote, noting that children “naturally experience a wide range of emotions in response to traumatic events.”
A school crossing sign.
Russell and Flynn encouraged parents and guardians “to engage in open conversations with your children so they can freely express their feelings. Our staff is ready to help any students affected by the incident.”
“If you have concerns or need additional support for your child, please contact your school principal or the district Child Study Team at 609-387-5839,” they wrote. “…Together we will help our students and community navigate this difficult time.”
A police investigation is underway.
Anyone with information is asked to call Burlington City Police Det. Corp. Anna Czajka at 609-386-0262, extension 221. Information can also be sent to the police department’s Facebook page.
Jim Walsh is a senior reporter for the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Whatever happened to Burlington City, NJ crossing guard Bruce Morlack?
