Safety first at Galion’s Safety Town

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GALION — Safety Town is in full swing this week at Galion Primary School.

The one-week program is designed to teach children starting kindergarten this year a basic understanding of several areas of safety.

“We have about 31 kids participating,” said Galion Police Chief Brian Saterfield as children drove past him on little trikes.

He was making sure the young drivers were staying in their lanes and were on the lookout for children walking across the makeshift streets as pedestrians.

Saterfield said the kids are learning about traffic signals; how to safely cross the street; fire safety such as stop, drop and roll; and even personal hygiene.

“Safety Town is a great opportunity for us to teach kids how to be safe around the streets and to meet with fireman and police officers. We are with them every day this week so it gives them a chance to get to know us on a different level,” the police chief said.

Saterfield said it also gets the children acclimated to the school they will be attending in the fall.

“We gave them a tour of the school, including the kindergarten wing, so they will be familiar with the building and the location of their classrooms,” said Saterfield.

Police officer and school resource officer Lynn Sterling is assisting with Safety Town.

“The kids are learning so much about safety while in a fun environment,” she said.

Five-year-old Charlette Amick said her favorite part at Safety Town has been a visit from Buckle Bear.

“I liked him the best,” she said.

Sterling said Buckle Bear was on hand to help teach the kids about the importance of seat belts.

Saterfield said the equipment used for Safety Town was purchased by the police department.

“Except for the book bags, those were paid for by a grant through the Elks. All kindergarteners will receive a book bag this year, whether or not they attended Safety Town,” said Saterfield.

Galion Police Chief Brian Saterfield and school resource officer Lt. Lynn Sterling help children navigate their way through “traffic” during Wednesday’s session of the week-long Safety Town. (Kimberly Gasuras | Galion Inquirer)
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2016/08/web1_safetytown201683152342330.jpgGalion Police Chief Brian Saterfield and school resource officer Lt. Lynn Sterling help children navigate their way through “traffic” during Wednesday’s session of the week-long Safety Town. (Kimberly Gasuras | Galion Inquirer)

By Kimberly Gasuras

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Reach Gasuras on Twitter: @kimberlygasuras

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