Meriden Holds Calling Hours for Late Crossing Guard
The city redirects traffic as the community remembers Dale Chavous following a fatal October vehicle collision.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Accidents
Meriden is hosting calling hours today for Dale Chavous, a local crossing guard who died after a vehicle crash. The memorial is held at John J. Ferry and Sons Funeral Home, with police managing traffic flow near the site.
Why it matters
The death of a school crossing guard impacts the local community, as residents gather to honor a public servant who supported students on Broad Street. Officials are managing the high anticipated turnout while the investigation into the collision remains open.
The driver of the vehicle involved in the crash remained at the scene and has not been charged as police continue their investigation. Calling hours for Dale Chavous are scheduled from 3 to 8 p.m. today.
The players
Dale Chavous
A Meriden crossing guard who worked on Broad Street and is survived by two granddaughters.
John J. Ferry and Sons Funeral Home
A local funeral home provider serving as the site for the memorial calling hours.
Meriden Police Department
The municipal law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the fatal collision and managing local traffic.
The details
Local police are diverting westbound traffic on East Main Street onto Willow Street to accommodate those attending the memorial. Dale Chavous served as a crossing guard on Broad Street for less than a year prior to the October 14 incident.
Timeline
October 14, 2026: The collision occurred on Broad Street.
October 21, 2026: Calling hours are held from 3 to 8 p.m.
Legal Context
This tragedy reflects the local urgency of the 2024 Connecticut Department of Transportation pedestrian safety audit. It emphasizes the risks facing essential street-level workers and highlights the ongoing need for traffic management reform.
Commuters should expect delays on East Main Street as police divert westbound traffic onto Willow Street through 8 p.m. Drivers are advised to use alternative routes to avoid congestion near the funeral home.
The takeaway
Community members have contributed 33,000 dollars through a GoFundMe page to support the family of the late crossing guard. Residents are encouraged to prioritize caution in school zones during peak crossing times.
Further reading
For more information on local traffic safety and incident reports, visit Meriden Accidents.
