Longtime crossing guard given day in her honor BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer Nicie Hammond (l) is presented with a clock and a proclamation by Keyport Mayor John Merla at last week's meeting. KEYPORT - Have a Nicie day, Keyport. Sept. 16 will be Nicie Hammond Day in the borough, honoring the 93-year-old school crossing guard. Hammond was awarded the honor by the mayor, council and police department on Sept. 5 at the top of the regular council meeting. After a recent fall, Hammond decided to retire from the post she has held for 33 years. Eight police officers lined up to kiss and personally thank Hammond for her years of service, then presented her with a check to use in her retirement. Police Capt. Thomas Mitchell gave a short speech regarding Hammond's loyalty, noting during the school season, police officers make morning rounds each day to make sure there are crossing guards at all the major intersections. "Nicie's post you never had to worry about," Mitchell said. About 20 well-wishers from Keyport's Second Baptist Church, Hammond's congregation, were on hand for the event. Mayor John Merla presented Hammond with flowers, a clock and the proclamation that named Sept. 16 her own special day. "It's not only nice to have Nicie as a name," Merla said, but it's nice to have Nicie as an employee. "From the borough of Keyport, all we can say is God bless you and thank you," Merla added.