UPDATE: LANSING - With students heading back to school--many of them walking--that means the crossing guards that help them get there safety will also be returning to their posts.

But for many, it's more than job helping students cross the street, it's personal.

James W. Thomas Sr. has been a crossing guard in Lansing for 22 years.

"You become personally, almost like a second parent to them," Thomas said. "They know you and you know them."

Thomas and other area crossing guards were on hand in Lansing to prepare for the start of the new school year. They were able to review the basics of traffic and student management while also getting the chance to get some hands-on practice too.

"There's a lot of responsibility to this job. Let along being out there all day in all sorts of weather, so it's not an easy job," said Suzy Carter, who is on the Lansing Area Safety Council.

ORIGINAL STORY: LANSING - With students heading back to school--many of them walking--that means the crossing guards that help them get there safety will also be returning to their posts.