It’s easy to believe that heroes don’t exist, that they
belong only in comic book strips and Marvel films.
The
truth is, they’re present in all walks of life in the form of people who do
extraordinary things, sometimes at the cost of great sacrifice.
A
much-loved crossing guard in Kansas City, Kansas gave his life on Tuesday to
save children who might otherwise have lost theirs.
88-year-old
Bob Nill had worked at Christ the King Parish School as a crossing guard for
five years. He was held in high regard by the students, many of whom
affectionally called him “Mr. Bob”.
Bob Nill is a hero. An absolute hero. May his soul rest well. https://t.co/JPnDaLJlNF— Steve Westly (@SteveWestly) February 19, 2020
As
per reports, a speeding black sedan raced right through Nill’s crosswalk at
around 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
Sensing
the danger, Nill put himself in harm’s way to save two children.
“He
stopped [two kids], and they listened, thank God, but then he, of course, was
the victim,” school principal Cathy Fithian told KMBC 9.
Fox
4 cite witnesses as saying the 88-year-old pushed the children back as the car
sped past. Unfortunately, this meant he was struck. Nill’s nephew, Randy, said
the courageous act wasn’t out of character.
He
explained: “What my Uncle Bob did for just getting little kids across the
street seemed probably trivial to some people, but for him, it was a really
important job, and now, we really know how important it was. He maybe saved
some lives.”
Nill
had worked in banking and served in the Coast Guard before his retirement.
After stepping back from full-time work, he worked as a crossing guard to
continue giving back to his community.
“This
was something I think he felt like he could help children and help himself feel
good about what he was doing,” Randy said.
Christ
the King Parish School released a statement on their Facebook page on Tuesday.
“We would like to give you an update on our crossing guard,
Mr. Nill. Our hearts are heavy as we inform you of his 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.
“Also know that Mr. Nill is a hero. He stopped two of our
students from crossing the road as the car approached.”
Rest in peace, Bob Nill. Your actions saved lives and for
that you will always be remembered as a hero.
Share this article to pay tribute to this brave man.
Source
: newsner.com