Suspended crossing guard should have called police, mayor says

The mayor said the police department operates under civil service rules and was following its chain of command policy.

RUNNEMEDE -- The effort to get the suspicion levied against Gina Brown -- the crossing guard who was cited for insubordination after texting the mayor about snow removal -- is under way, but the mayor said Thursday that she simply didn't handle the situation the right way.

Bowne texted Mayor Nick Kappatos Monday morning, the first day after the weekend snow storm, to tell him the sidewalk near her crosswalk hadn't been cleared. She said they've been friendly for years, and the mayor's cellphone number is easily accessible to the public.

However, Kappatos said Bowne, especially with her 16 years of experience, should have known that she should have contacted the police department.

"That would have gotten it done faster," he said. "I understand the outcry, but she didn't do it the way she was supposed to."

Bowne is employed by the police department, which is not commenting on the suspension. Kappatos said they operate under civil service guidelines and were just following policy regarding the chain of command when they made the decision to suspend Bowne.

"I feel as though they were following their rules," he said. "They felt it was adequate. The simple fact of the matter is the crossing guards are brought in for training."

Bowne said she has never had a problem before and has never been warned about breaking the chain of command.

"It's overboard," she said about her suspension.

Bowne's suspension has been met with a backlash on social media and in the community. Residents have been passing around a petition addressed to Kappatos, asking him to rescind the suspension and acknowledge Bowne's efforts to keep kids safe.

Christina Smith was one of the parents who signed the petition outside of Bingham Elementary School Thursday.

"It's disgraceful what they did," she said. "Her complaint was valid. I just think it could have been handled better. That's why she has everyone in the town's support."

Kappatos said he understands the reaction from the community. He also admitted it is difficult, even for him, to separate Bowne the employee from Bowne the resident. He said he always tries to be accessible to members of the town, but since she is an employee of the police department, the matter becomes a police personnel matter.

Residents plan on turning in the petition at the next borough council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 7 p.m.