The passion of Pea Ridge Police Officer Mark Garrison for keeping children safe was one impetus in increasing the number of certified car seat technicians at the Pea Ridge Police Department, according to Police Lt. Ryan Walker.
"Officer Garrison came to us from the county a couple of years ago. He had a passion for DWI and for child safety seats. He was a certified tech from the county. He asked if he could start a program here because he saw a need in the community," Walker said, adding that he spent time seeking grants and ways to fund the program. Walker said the department received $2,500 from Walmart and $500 from the Pea Ridge Optimist Club. With that money, 57 car seats were purchased from Walmart. There are infant, convertible and combo seats.
"Officer Garrison is working on setting up an event to check car seat installation and to provide car seats for those who need them," Walker said.
Three officers -- Cpl. Clela Eggrebrecht, Sgt. Mitch Brown and Officer Joey Ferris -- attended a week-long child car seat safety program sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Standardized Child Passenger Safety technical training and, as part of the class, they assisted in hosting a car seat event at Walmart, Pleasant Grove Road, Rogers.
"They checked current seats for proper installation and for any recalls," Walker said. "We hope to set one up here."
"Children are the number one priority for me," Cpl. Eggrebrecht said. "Especially little ones. I have grandbabies still in car seats. I want to see them safe."
Eggrebrecht, a mother and a grandmother, has been in law enforcement for 16 years. She also worked on the Volunteer Ambulance Service from 1994-2002.
"I've worked several wrecks in which, if it weren't for the car seats, babies would have been hurt really badly," she said, adding that state law requires children to be in a safety seat until 6 years of age or 60 pounds.
"The parent must be consistent in putting children in car seats. They learn what they have to do. Every time you get in a car, buckle up. Parents need to show the children and buckle themselves in, too. It's 'do as I do,' not 'do as I say, not as I do,'" she said, adding that it takes consistency and discipline on the part of the adults. "If any parents need a car seat or need help getting one installed, they can call our office."
"As a parent and a police officer, I have witnessed first hand the importance of car seats," Lt. Walker said, adding that he has seen children hurt because they were not properly buckled up. "The safest place for a car seat is in the center of the car. I know it's the most cumbersome spot to get a child in and out of, but it's the safest."
"We're doing it for the safety of the children," Officer Garrison said, adding that the adjustment of the five-point harness is essential in keeping the child safe. He said that state law does not mandate whether a child is placed in a rear-facing car seat, but that it is recommended that a child be kept rear facing as long as possible and definitely until 1 year of age and/or 20 pounds.
"They've been doing studies and now say to keep a child rear facing as long as possible," Garrison said.
To contact a Pea Ridge Police officer to have a car seat checked for proper installation or for any recalls, call 451-8220.
General News on 02/19/2014