JERSEY SHORE, Pa. – The Jersey Shore Area School District just fired its most beloved crossing guard.

For the past two years, school contractor Brad Curtis brought his Multipoo dog Patches with him to help students safely cross Allegheny Street in Jersey Shore, and students grew to love the pooch. But when students returned to class this year, Patches and his custom orange safety vet and big red stop sign were missing in action, WNEP reports.

“Patches is missing,” Jersey Shore resident Amy Wampler said. “We didn’t see him this morning and we wondered why, and now he’s not here.”

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“We see the dog every day, every single day for almost two years now,” another resident told the news site.

But Patches isn’t missing, he was fired. A WNEP news story highlighting the dog’s unique role a week ago led to his swift termination.

District officials told the media that Patches’ service is against school policy. Those tasked with monitoring crosswalk guards were unaware of his participation and nobody ever reported a problem with the dog, according to the news site.

“We have clear policies in the school district regarding any type of animal during the work day. Yes, he is a cute, adorable pet. The bottom line: there are always unanticipated risks with an animal. Any known distractions need to be removed,” superintendent Dorothy Chappell wrote in a prepared statement, Fox 59 reports.

Curtis told the media he plans to continue with his crosswalk duties without his sidekick.

Patches’ departure really bummed out a lot of folks who looked forward to seeing their pal.

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“People come by, even take pictures of him. He’s been on the news. Everybody likes him. He’s a really nice dog,” local shop owner Lyra Clark said, though she acknowledged the safety concerns. “Patches can always stay in my parking lot. He’s always welcome here.”

“It’s good that the school did that though because Patches could have done stuff even if he was trained,” fifth grader Justyce Wampler told WNEP. “But it’s also upsetting because kids really liked to see Patches.”