A crossing guard in Cecil County, Maryland, is being hailed as a hero after pushing a young student out of the way of an oncoming car — putting her own life at risk to save the child.
Crossing guard Annette Goodyear, who is also a police officer, was struck and treated at a hospital, according to Cecil County Public Schools.
A heart-stopping video of the rescue showed Goodyear saving a middle school student who was trying to cross a street Friday morning near North East Middle School, officials said.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced Monday that he will award a governor’s citation to Goodyear "for her incredible heroism in putting herself at risk to save a young student from being hit by an oncoming car," he wrote on Facebook.
Video released by Cecil County Executive Danielle Hornberger shows the frightening incident.
Goodyear gave a “stop” signal with her hand as a child began to enter a crosswalk flanked by yellow pedestrian signs, the video shows.
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Then, a black sedan entered the frame at a fast rate of speed — on track to hit Goodyear and the child. Goodyear grabbed the child by the shoulders and pushed her forward, out of the car’s path, the video shows. Goodyear was wearing an orange rain poncho and the road seemed to be wet.
The video appears to show the front of the car striking Goodyear, who fell onto the ground. The child got up and went to Goodyear’s side as people nearby rushed to help.
Cecil County Public Schools said Goodyear was taken to a hospital as a precaution and quickly released.
She went to the student’s home to check on them, school officials said.
"Gratitude and prayers to Corporal Annette Goodyear from the North East Police Department for her heroism," Executive Hornberger said. “The town of North East is already working on commendations for her bravery and swift action."
There’s no word if the driver will face charges. News4 has reached out to police for further comment.
