UNION COUNTY, N.C. — Town leaders in Indian Trail have unveiled a new street sign honoring Jerome Sutton, a beloved retired crossing guard.
The marker for Jerome Sutton Way was placed along the road near Sun Valley Middle School.
The Indian Trail Town Council voted in June to rename the stretch of road after Sutton, who protected students there for over 30 years.
Sutton served as a crossing guard on that road until his retirement in 2022.
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During the unveiling ceremony, community members demonstrated their support as several drivers stopped, honked, and drove up to greet Sutton.
Sutton reflected on the recognition and the meaning behind the sign for his loved ones.
“My grandkids get to see it. My wife. My family,” Sutton said. “I’m glad I could do that. For people to see the joy in me and for them to try and carry the joy in their life.”
He added, “When you do that to people’s lives, that’s really big. Bigger than I thought it was.”
The street renaming is not the first time Indian Trail has recognized Sutton for his dedication.
In 2019, Sutton received a key to the city and $10,000 after saving two children by throwing himself in front of an oncoming car about to hit them.
Although Sutton looks back fondly on his decades of service, he has no plans to return to his former role. “No! I don’t miss it!” Sutton said.
He noted that the street marker serves as a lasting reminder of his time serving the town.
“Put it in the GPS, and we’ll ride over there and look at it. It’s a legacy,” Sutton said.