Rutherford County, TN - Christiana Middle School students love Sheriff’s School Crossing Officer Lenzo Thompson. Students at the school took part in celebrating his birthday with him on Wednesday as he greeted them dressed in a colorful birthday balloons attire that was complete with a crown and a “Happy Birthday” sash.

“Today, there’s a whole lot of birthday wishes from parents, people coming past me,” Thompson said. “There’s a whole lot of ‘thank you’ and ‘I love yous.’ I mean, it tells me ‘we appreciate what you’re doing.’” Thompson dresses up in different costumes throughout the year to the delight of students, teachers, parents and commuters driving by the school located on busy U.S. Highway 231 South (Shelbyville Highway).

He’s posed as a leprechaun, the Easter bunny, a turkey and Santa.

And most of all, Thompson protects the children, teachers, staff and bus drivers by directing traffic at the school zone in the mornings and afternoons. He’s been on the job two years.

He understands how drivers may be in a hurry when they travel through his school zone.

But it’s very important for the students to get to school and back home safely.

He told his wife he was lucky for his assignment because Christiana is a good place to be.

The school posted a message about Thompson on its digital message board recently: “We love our Crossing Guard! Thank you Mr. Thompson.”

Thompson listed serving a school crossing officer as being on his bucket list.

“I knew I would do it the first year,” Thompson said. “The second year, I wanted to do it because I enjoy making people feel safe and happy and bringing enjoyment to the community.”