JPD buckles up for car seat campaign

SAFETY SQUAD: Among those people who participate in Saturday’s Car Seat Campaign and the Johnston Police Headquarters are (from left) Major Tom Dolan, Det. Tom Dwyer, Lt. Steve Guilmette, Det. Anthony Sasso, Chelsea D’Angelo and Brittni Henderson both o Safe Kids RI, Det. Brian Loffredi and Officer John Forest of the Cumberland Police Department.

(Johnston Police Department photo)

Johnston Sun Rise · Thursday, May 25, 2017 12:30 pm

By Pete Fontaine

There was a flurry of activity outside the Johnston Police Station Saturday.

Ranking officers, headed by Major Thomas H. Dolan, held an important and educational Car Seat Campaign. Dolan, who also serves as advisor for the JPD’s award-winning Explorers Post, said, “The safety prevention session was a huge success.”

JPD officers who are certified as Child Passenger Safety (CPS) technicians were on hand to install car seats, answer questions and educate parents and caregivers on the proper car seat for the age and weight of a child.

The squad also checked on car seat recalls by make and model for concerned parents. As a CPS technician, the respective officers must keep up with the latest information on children passenger safety and renew his or her certification every two years.

Also, instructors from the Safe Kids Rhode Island also participated in the event and explained that their group is part of the Injury Prevention Center at Rhode Island Hospital.

The coalition implements programs such as car seat check ups, safety workshops and sports clinics that assist parents and guardians in preventing childhood injuries.

The dedicated staff works with local agencies, such as law enforcement, in the community to offer support and resources for working toward maintain the goal of keeping kids safe. The event was also sponsored by Rose Mia Pizzeria.

JPD officials announced that another event is scheduled for July 8, 2017. For more information, call the Johnston Police at 231-4210.