LAS VEGAS — A Las Vegas woman is turning her grief into a mission to honor crossing guards after her father was killed while protecting children in a Utah school zone nearly a year ago.
Jennifer Snowden, who has two children of her own, regularly interacts with their crossing guard. Her father, Steven Winn, served as a crossing guard in Layton, Utah, before he was hit and killed by a driver on the job.
“I got a frantic call from my sister that my dad had been killed at his job crossing a group of very small children,” Snowden said.
Beloved ‘Santa’ served community
Winn was known in his Layton community as “Santa” because of his resemblance to the holiday figure. After retiring from the military, he embraced his role as a crossing guard.
“Steve’s commitment for his community never wavered. In his retirement, he embraced one of his most cherished roles as a crossing guard. He became a beloved figure in the neighborhood,” Snowden said, reading from her father’s obituary. “Steve treasured the chance to greet the kids, always looking forward to their smiles.”
Snowden said her father was excited about his work and would often talk about near misses with vehicles during her visits.
On January 28th 2025 Winn was hit and killed just after helping a group of kids cross the street.
Criminal case pending
The case involving the driver who struck Winn is still moving through the criminal justice system in Utah, according to Snowden. The Utah community created a memorial at the crash site where their “Santa” used to stand.
“He died doing his job and he would have done it 100 times over if it meant those kids go to their school safely,” Snowden said.
Kindness campaign gains momentum
January 28 will mark one year since Winn’s death. Snowden has launched a crossing guard kindness campaign and is pushing for January 28 to become National Crossing Guard Day on change.org
Her call for action on social media has already gained thousands of views. Between now and January 28, Snowden wants people to send her pictures of their local crossing guards, whether thanking them or simply saying hello.
You can submit pictures and stories of a crossing guard in your life to Snowden at [email protected]
“Nobody is just a crossing guard. They are literally putting their lives on the line every day to keep our kids safe,” Snowden said.
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