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Chief’s Corner
By
Chief Steven J. Wojnar
Dudley Police Department
Trick or treat in Dudley is scheduled for Tuesday, October 31st from
5:30pm to 7:30pm. Since this will be after the clocks are turned back,
it will be darker earlier than what we are used to. With that in mind,
I wanted to remind everyone participating in this activity of some
important safety tips.
It is important to remember to have plenty of illumination
when out at night. Carry a flashlight and use reflective tape on
costumes, especially those that are dark in color. Adjust any mask or
hood in such a way to maintain clear vision. This will not only protect
you from cars but also limit accidents on unfamiliar property. Also,
stay on the sidewalks and away from traffic. If there are no sidewalks,
walk along the road shoulder facing traffic. Never go out alone.
Younger kids should always be accompanied by an adult. Older children
not accompanied by an adult should be in a group and tell their family
where they will be at all times. The age of cell phones helps with this.
Children should never enter any home when they do not know the person.
Wait outside and let the people bring the items to the door.
All candy must be inspected by an adult before the kids "dig
in." Accept only wrapped items and reject anything such as fruit or
loose candy. If there is even a slight possibility of candy having been
tampered with, discard it. There will certainly be enough left for
everyone to enjoy. The evening is designed to be fun for children.
Officers will be out during these times assisting everyone in having a
happy and safe Halloween.
I thank the Dudley PTO and the staff and students of Dudley
Middle School for another fun Fall Festival held Friday, October 6th.
Hundreds of kids enjoyed the many activities. This was especially true
for the many of us who participated in the fruit looping contest (Whip
cream is placed on our face and fruit loops are thrown at us by a lucky
contestant. The person with the most loops to stick wins). Thanks to
all involved for another fun event.
I have also begun the "Officer Friendly" program at the
Mason Road School. I met with all the Kindergarten and First Grade
classes on Friday, October 13th. This program is something I have
conducted for several years. It is designed to give young children a
positive image of police officers by allowing them to interact with a
police officer on an informal basis at lunch or other selected times.
Other officers from our department will begin working with the local
schools to assist with the overall educational experience of our young
people. I thank Superintendent Gilrein and all the principals for
supporting our community policing programs.
Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at
the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St. Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email
at
swojnar@dudleypolice.com.
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