A Tiffy Taffy Highlight Story: Sometimes there are stories that are just too touching, too beautiful, or too unbelievable to keep locked away. That’s why we scour the archives and bring some of them back to enjoy again. They may make you smile or shed a tear, but they’re always meant to add a little positivity to your day. This story is originally from February 2020.
It’s easy to think that heroes only exist in comic book strips or movies. But, the truth is, they exist in the form of humans who do marvelous and extraordinary things in service of others. Including sacrificing their own lives to save another. Not all heroes wear capes!
Bob, Christ the Kings Parish Schools’ very own hero
88-year-old Bob Nill from Kansas City has been dubbed a hero after bravely giving his life to save two school children from being run over. Bob worked at Christ the King Parish School as a crossing guard for five years. He was loved not only by the school children, but by the teachers and other staff members at the school. Many of the school children called him “Mr. Bob” and held him in high regard.
The incident happened at around 8 am on a 2020 Tuesday morning. According to reports, a speeding black sedan raced right through the crosswalk. Recognizing the danger, Bob put himself in harm’s way in order to save two children. “He stopped [two kids], and they listened, thank God, but then he, of course, was the victim,” reported the school principal Cathy Fithian.
A courageous act
Witnesses at the scene reported that the 88-year-old pushed the children back onto the sidewalk as the car sped past. Unfortunately, Bill was struck. Bob’s nephew, Randy, said “the courageous act wasn’t out of character.”
After the accident Christ the King Parish School released a statement on their Facebook page saying, “We would like to give you an update on our crossing guard, Mr. Nill. Our hearts are heavy as we inform you of his passing. Please continue to keep Mr. Nill and his family in your prayers as well as the students, parents, and teachers who witnessed today’s accident. Also, know that Mr. Nill is a hero. He stopped two of our students from crossing the road as the car approached.
A little bit more about Bob
Before retirement, Bob worked in banking and served in the Coast Guard but even after retirement he wanted to continue giving back to his community and that’s when he began working as a crossing guard. “This was something I think he felt like he could help children and help himself feel good about what he was doing,” Said Randy, Bob’s nephew.
He went on to explain that his uncle loved his job as a crossing guard and felt that it was an important job. “What my Uncle Bob did for just getting little kids across the street seemed probably trivial to some people, but for him, it was a really important job, and now, we really know how important it was. He maybe saved some lives.” “This was something I think he felt like he could help children and help himself feel good about what he was doing,” Randy said.
It’s not often that people would risk their lives for others but it seems like this was something that came naturally for Bob. He will always be remembered for the service and goodwill he provided to his community and for the heroic act of saving the lives of two school children.
Rest in Peace Mr.Bob, the Hero...
Sources
- “‘Mr. Bob,’ 88-year-old hero crossing guard, dies saving two kids from a speeding car.” USA Today. Adrianna Rodriguez. February 19, 2020
- “88-Year-Old Crossing Guard ‘Gave The Ultimate Sacrifice’ Saving 2 Kids From Speeding Car.” Oxygen. Sharon Lynn Pruitt. February 21, 2020.
