Local school crossing guard returns to work after hit-and-run injury

On February 14, two local school crossing guards were victims of a hit-and-run accident near the intersection of Deltona and Northcliffe. Nicholas Gallicchio, then 52, of Spring Hill, and Donald Jenkins, 82, of Weeki Wachee, were struck by Robert Noack while they were crossing guard for children at a traffic light.

As the driver attempted to flee, his vehicle struck a concrete drain cover on the southwest corner of the intersection. Noack then attempted to flee on foot, but was arrested shortly thereafter.

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office was “incredibly pleased” to announce Gallicchio's full recovery and reposted his Facebook post last week. The elderly Jenkins is still recovering. The HCSO added:

“As we continue to support the recovery of our other injured security guard, we are grateful that Nicholas will be able to return to his post at the start of the new school year. Nicholas has always done everything humanly possible to keep our children safe, and we couldn't be happier to see him back in action. Thank you, Nicholas, for your bravery and unwavering commitment to our community. We appreciate all you do to keep our students safe.”

Jenkins was in serious condition after being struck by Noack's tan sedan on the grassy median that afternoon. The younger Gallicchio suffered injuries to his back, shoulder and knee, but thankfully they were not as severe and he has made a full recovery. Although his partner is not back yet, the school crossing guard is happy he was able to return to his post, and so are the children.

“I'm happy to be back,” said Gallicchio. “I enjoy crossing the children. The children give me a lot of joy. The children are very friendly and the welcome from the children was really spectacular. It really was.”

While the two school crossing guards recovered from their injuries, they were fully supported by the HCSO. Officers visited the sick community volunteers, called them, and even offered them rides. “I couldn't ask for a better sheriff's department to work for,” Nicholas explained.

The sheriff's office is also looking into implementing more visible uniforms that would allow school crossing guards to be more visible in both the afternoon and early morning light. While this would undoubtedly help local school crossing guards, Gallicchio hopes to see a dedicated crosswalk installed at the intersection. Unfortunately, not much progress has been made on that front.

“My lieutenant is trying to get a crosswalk with the county, but so far we haven't gotten anywhere,” the school crossing guard explained. “We definitely need a crosswalk across Deltona, both for the children's safety and our own. We don't have it yet, but we need it. It's something we definitely need for our own safety and for the citizens and children of Spring Hill.”

Although the school crossing guard's harrowing story had a happy ending, it couldn't have been that easy. The construction of a zebra crossing would likely be crucial to creating a safer traffic experience for everyone in the future.

Meanwhile, the trial against Robert Noack continues. He is accused of failing to stop or remain at the scene of an accident causing serious bodily injury, possession of a controlled substance, leaving the scene of an accident causing property damage, and causing property damage or personal injury while under the influence of alcohol. A preliminary hearing with Judge Stephen Toner Jr. is scheduled for October 2, 2024.