Berkley Crossing Guard Remains Hospitalized

A Berkley crossing guard who was hit by a vehicle while on duty remains in the intensive care unit at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak but is expected to make a full recovery, his wife said Thursday.

Paul Skonieczny of Berkley suffered internal injuries, fractures and other bumps and bruises when he was struck Jan. 11 outside Anderson Middle School, according to his wife Celine Skonieczny.

"He's aware of what's going on; he's conscious. His legs work. His arms work," she said. "Considering what he went through, we consider ourselves very lucky. We're just both grateful there were no children involved."

Celine Skonieczny said this is not the first time during his 6 years as a crossing guard that her husband experienced a dangerous situation at his post outside Anderson.

"There were a few times he came home shooken up," she said. "It's kind of a bad corner. Parents try to drop their kids off and the other drivers want to go around them.

[Read: How Can We Keep Students Safe on the Way to School?]

"I hope people stop to think about that now," she said. "Pull in to the parking lot behind the school and let your kids get out in a safe environment. I don't understand why people insist on dropping their kids off on Catalpa. It's all about the kids' safety and people forget that."

Skonieczny said she is optimistic her husband will be out of the ICU by the end of the weekend, but that he will have a long rehabilitation ahead of him.

"We appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers and they're working," she said.

Where to send cards

Get-well wishes can be sent to Anderson Middle School or Beaumont Hospital, Celine Skonieczny said. Address cards to Paul Skonieczny c/o the school or the hospital.

Anderson Middle School
3205 Catalpa Dr. 
Berkley, MI 48072

Beaumont Hospital
3601 W. 13 Mile Road  
Royal Oak, MI 48073