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Beloved Toronto crossing guard recognized as one of Canada's best

Beloved Toronto crossing guard recognized as one of Canada's best

Peter Atienza blows on his whistle, holds his red stop sign into the air and begins his short walk across the street. At the shout of "OK, guys!" the children of Toronto's Oriole Park Public School know it's safe to cross a busy intersection.

Atienza, 76, admittedly loves his job.

“Everyday I’m going out of my house very happy," he told CTV News.

That smile is a little wider now.

Atienza has been recognized as one of Canada's four best crossing guards by Parachute, an injury prevention organization. The 16-year veteran was honoured in a school assembly Thursday morning and will receive $500 as well as a winter coat identifying him as one of Canada's best crossguards.

Dale Martin of London, Ont., Gerry Brown of Watford Ont., and Peter Easter of Brockville, Ont. were the other three winners.

Parachute couldn't have chosen anyone much more devoted than Atienza who travels one hour each way for his 45-minute blocks, guiding children across a busy Avenue Road intersection.

He's proud of the fact that no kids have ever been struck by cars on his watch, and he's had a direct hand in that.

Atienza saved children and their caregivers from a skidding car last winter when he pushed them into a snowbank.

His efforts don't go unnoticed by the parents.

"[Atienza] is fantastic," Jennifer Allison told CTV News. "My little one is a runner and I swear he's alive because of Peter. He catches him every morning because he wants to push that button so much."

But the most gratitude comes from the children.

As Atienza leads them across Avenue Road, they run up to him. Some give him high fives and others give him hugs.

No one passes without saying: "Thank you, Peter!"