Thursday, October 1, 2026
A crowd gathered on June 28 at the intersection of Sunrise Highway and Merrick Avenue to honor crossing guard John Miro, the longtime Merrick resident who died March 6, eight days after he was struck by an impaired driver while on duty.
County officials, police leaders, family members and residents attended the ceremony, where a memorial sign was unveiled at the intersection where Miro served.
Sgt. Bertrand of the Nassau County Police Department Ceremonial Unit opened the ceremony by reflecting on Miro’s lifelong ties to the community.
Miro grew up in Merrick, graduated from Sanford H. Calhoun High School in 1973 and spent 50 years working for Buchanan Marine, rising from deckhand to tugboat captain before retiring in 2023.
After retirement, he chose to continue serving his hometown by becoming a Nassau County crossing guard. On Feb. 26, Miro arrived at his post carrying a shovel to clear snow from the walkway for students when he was struck by an impaired driver. He was taken to Nassau University Medical Center, where he died March 6.
“I remember getting the call that there had been an accident at this intersection involving a crossing guard,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman said. “When Commissioner Ryder told me John was being transported to NUMC, I went over and met Nancy and the family.”
Blakeman said Miro’s dedication reflected the often-overlooked work of crossing guards.
“John went out there each and every day and made sure our kids got to and from school safely,” he said. “He was a kind person with a good heart. We can’t bring John back, but what we can do is honor his memory forever here on this corner.”
Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder announced that Miro will become the first civilian in the 101-year history of the Nassau County Police Department to be added to the department’s memorial wall.
“That recognition has always been for sworn members, not civilians,” Ryder said. “The decision was clear.”
Miro will be honored during the department’s annual memorial ceremony in May.
Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray said Miro’s death highlighted the risks crossing guards face every day.
“Perhaps we take for granted the services provided by crossing guards like John,” Murray said. “We never imagined a tragedy like this could happen. His passing reminds us that his job is a dangerous one, and it underscores just how responsible, attentive and caring he was.”
Miro’s stepdaughter, Elaine DeBono, thanked those who supported the family following the crash.
“The people and organizations represented here today helped us carry through unimaginable grief,” she said. “We accept this honor on my dad’s behalf with immense appreciation, and at the same time, we would give it back to have one more day with him.”
She said she could imagine her father reacting to the memorial.
“I can picture my dad looking down on us today with the biggest smile on his face, proudly saying, ‘Look at this, I have a street named after me,’” she said. “That thought brings us comfort.”
Giavonna DeBono, Miro’s granddaughter, remembered his commitment to the children he helped cross the street each day.
“Holidays, rain, snow — Grandpa never took a day off,” she said. “He remembered everyone’s names and bought candy for the kids on Halloween. That is who my grandpa was — selfless and kind to everyone he encountered.”
Following the unveiling, the crowd observed a moment of silence as family members, neighbors, police officers and elected officials reflected on Miro’s life and service. The memorial sign now stands at the corner where he worked, honoring a man remembered for his dedication to protecting the community’s children.
