Beloved Hyde-Addison Crossing Guard Steps Down

Charlie Ellis has been the crossing guard at since October 2009. But in November, Ellis had an extended stay in the hospital because of heart problems and has since decided to step down from his daily duty at Potomac and O Streets next to the Georgetown elementary school.

Ellis announced his resignation in a letter posted in the Hyde-Addison email newsletter, Tuesday. During his illness, he said the school community sent him "get well" letters and notes that reminded him of the wonderful community he watched over:

All of you, in the School community and neighborhood, have been wonderful friends, treating me with decency and respect. I have been proud to be a District employee, a public servant, and friend to you in return.

In April 2011, Patch contributor Judy Bunnell spent an afternoon with Ellis on his "beat" and . As a retiree, this was his first time as a crossing guard. He would bike to his job at Hyde-Addison each day from his home in Dupont Circle. He was friendly, helpful and enjoyed doing this job.

Ellis will not completely give up his work at Hyde-Addison. Principal Dana Nerenberg helped arrange for him to volunteer at the school on Fridays, meeting the various needs of teachers are they arise.

As Bunnell wrote in April:

Charlie Ellis is modest about his contributions to Hyde and to the Georgetown neighborhood. But somehow the corner on O Street is a lot more solemn when he is not there.