DEFIANCE COUNTY, OH — The Defiance County Health Department, with the Defiance County Safe Communities Coalition, recently hosted two free Safety Town programs for children ages 4.5–6 years old, helping 60 local children build important safety skills before the start of the school year.
The programs welcomed 42 children at the Defiance location and 18 children at the Hicksville location. Through hands-on activities and interactive lessons, participants learned about pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, school bus safety, recreational safety, and other important topics designed to help keep them safe at home, at school, and in their communities.
Children also had the opportunity to meet local first responders, explore emergency vehicles, and learn about the important role public safety professionals play in keeping communities safe.
“We were happy to see such a great turnout for both Safety Town programs this year,” said Taylor Jessing, Health Promotion Specialist and Safety Town Coordinator. “Safety Town gives young children a fun and engaging way to learn important safety skills before heading to school. We are grateful to all of the families who participated, the volunteers who shared their time, and our sponsors and community partners who helped make these events possible.”
The Safety Town program was sponsored by the Defiance County Health Department and Defiance County Safe Communities Coalition. The event locations were sponsored by Arthur Law Firm, Defiance County Fair Board, and Defiance Area YMCA. Event t-shirts for all the children were sponsored by Arthur Law Firm and Defiance Elks Lodge #147.
“We are incredibly thankful to everyone who helped make this event possible. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and community partners, every child went home with a free bicycle helmet, a bag filled with safety resources and fun items, a complimentary movie ticket courtesy of Phoenix Theatres Northtowne Mall, and a free ice cream treat from either Eric’s Ice Cream or the Lewis Family McDonalds. Opportunities like Safety Town are only possible because of the tremendous support we receive from our local organizations, businesses, volunteers, and community members who are committed to keeping our children safe. We are grateful for their partnership in making this program a success,” said Jessica West, Public Information Officer for the Defiance County Health Department.
Partner organizations included: Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Defiance Police Department, Defiance Fire & Rescue, Defiance County Sheriff’s Office, Hicksville Police Department, Hicksville Fire & EMS, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Defiance County Drug Free Coalition, Maumee Valley Planning Organization, Ohio Operation Lifesaver, Ohio Department of Transportation, OSU Extension Defiance, Ohio School Safety Center, and the Defiance Police Officers Association.
The Defiance County Safe Communities Coalition would like to thank all sponsors, partners, volunteers, and families for their support in helping make Safety Town a success and promoting a safer community for local children.
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Contact: Jessica West, PIO
1300 E. Second St., Ste. 100
Defiance, OH. 43512
419-784-3818
