Safety Town a hit with kids, parents

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The Safety Town program taught 35 kids this week at Galion Primary School.

“The program was very successful this week. We saw them come out of their shell.” Galion Police Department Chief of Police said Brian Saterfield said, “It’s about teaching the young kids (who are entering) kindergarten. Teaching them safety with fire, police, bus, good health and hygiene, washing hand tips.

“It’s also about getting them comfortable with the school, they are coming to in three weeks. So when moms and dads drop them off they are comfortable.”

The program previously ended 11 years ago when Galion entered Fiscal Emergency, but Saterfield said city officials stepped up to make a difference.

“The Mayor (Tom O”Leary) came to me last year about putting it together and we made it happen.” Saterfield said.

The children, parents and all involved made Safety Town a success and it will return next year.

“(I am) so excited that it’s back. I think it’s something we need. They look up to the fire and police departments as heroes. They were so excited to see them, they were hugging them.” Galion Primary School Principal Cindy Voss said, “The plan is to do it from here on (out).”

It’s very important for children to know the rules of traffic safety.

“I hope they will do this every year. It’s really important. Not all parents teach their kids how to cross the street and safely with their bikes.” said Dawn Hunt, mother of two girls in the program, “Sophia learned to always wear her seat belt and to make sure I wore mine. She learned fire safety, she came home and made sure to count all the fire detectors. She made sure they all worked. They really loved it, they are usually hard to wake up but they were up early and ready to go all week.”

Parents said children sounded excited to try what they learned at Safety Town.

“It went very well.” said Katie Guy, whose daughter was a participant, “She learned a lot, she came home and practiced what they learned. We went home tested it, how to get out of the house if there was a fire and where the doors where. She was sad to see it end.”

Participants in Safety Town graduate from the class Thursday.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2015/08/web1_Children-recieve-certificate-for-safety-town5.jpgParticipants in Safety Town graduate from the class Thursday.

Children repeat the rhymes they learned during safety town this week with Galion Police Chief Brian Saterfield.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2015/08/web1_Kids-sings-rhymes5.jpgChildren repeat the rhymes they learned during safety town this week with Galion Police Chief Brian Saterfield.

Children hug the Galion Tiger Mascot Thursday during Safety Town Graduation at Galion Primary School.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2015/08/web1_Kids-huge-galion-tiger-mascot5.jpgChildren hug the Galion Tiger Mascot Thursday during Safety Town Graduation at Galion Primary School.

Peyton Snyder, 6, gives a big thumbs-up with Galion police officers, from left, Corey Grant, Ralph Burwell and Lt. Marc Rodriguez.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2015/08/web1_Peyton-and-police-officersl5.jpgPeyton Snyder, 6, gives a big thumbs-up with Galion police officers, from left, Corey Grant, Ralph Burwell and Lt. Marc Rodriguez.

Children learn education on traffic safety in Safety Town Wednesday at Galion Primary School.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2015/08/web1_Safety-Town-Wed.5.jpgChildren learn education on traffic safety in Safety Town Wednesday at Galion Primary School.

By Deborah Elaine Evans

[email protected]

Reach Evans at 419-468-1117 ext. 2049 or on Twitter at @deborahevans31

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