A Day of Discovery, Safety, and K-9 Fun at SPD Summer Camp
The third day of the Statesville Police Department Summer Camp gave campers the opportunity to learn valuable safety lessons through interactive activities, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences. From traffic safety to gun safety and meeting one of SPD's K-9 officers, the day was filled with memorable moments that reinforced important life skills.
The morning began with a lesson on traffic safety, where campers learned how making smart decisions on and around roadways can help keep everyone safe.
To reinforce the lesson, campers took on one of the day's most popular activities - a pedal car course while wearing impairment simulation goggles.
The specially designed goggles demonstrated how alcohol can affect a person's vision, coordination, depth perception, and reaction time. By attempting to navigate the course with the goggles on, campers experienced firsthand how impairment makes even simple tasks much more difficult, helping them better understand the dangers of impaired driving.
Eddie Eagle Shares an Important Message
Campers also welcomed Cpl. Chan Austin and a very special guest, Eddie Eagle.
Through the Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program, campers learned four simple but important steps to remember if they ever encounter a firearm:
- Stop
- Don't Touch
- Run Away
- Tell a Grown-Up
The program provides children with easy-to-remember guidance that can help keep them safe in an unexpected situation, reinforcing the importance of immediately finding a trusted adult.
Meeting K-9 Joko
One of the highlights of the day came when Officer Bell introduced campers to K-9 Joko.
Campers learned about the important role police K-9s play in law enforcement and watched the incredible teamwork between Joko and his handler. They had the opportunity to see how closely the pair work together and gained a better understanding of the specialized training that helps K-9 teams serve and protect the community.
It didn't take long for Joko to become one of the campers' favorite visitors of the week.
Building Safer Communities Together
Each day of SPD Summer Camp provides opportunities for children to learn practical safety skills while building positive relationships with the officers who serve the Statesville community.
Through engaging activities and meaningful conversations, campers are gaining knowledge they can carry with them long after camp ends - and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
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