"Part of the family:" The Medical College of Wisconsin hires on crossing guards after contracting company shuts down

 

WAUWATOSA (CBS 58) -- It was a shock for many when the Wisconsin Personal Protection Services (WPPS) shutdown unexpectedly over the weekend. 

WPPS worked with Wauwatosa, West Allis, Menomonee Falls, Shorewood, Waukesha, and the Medical College of Wisconsin to provide crossing guards.

“Shocked at first then real anger, " said John Kummer, crossing guard, "We got little guys and girls crossing the street without anybody? They should be ashamed."

According to the WPPS voicemail, "Due to unfortunate circumstances with the Department of Workforce Development, our establishment is shut down.”

Kummer has worked as a crossing guard for more than a year with WPPS. Shortly after the Medical of College also learned of the news, it acted quickly to keep its crossing guards. 

“We contacted our crossing guards to see if they’d be interested in becoming employees of the Medical College of Wisconsin. We went through the process, brought them in, and expedited that process," said David Feller, Director of Public Safety. 

John filled out the paperwork and was back to work on Tuesday. 

"Happy to have them on board as part of our family," said Feller. 

Kummer says he doesn't do it for the money, it's for the people. 

"The future doctors of the world and the staff and everything else that are doing the research and I don’t want to lose any of them no matter what," said Kummer.