LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — A record-setting spring is underway for the Lima Police and Lima Noon Optimist Safety City, with organizers hoping to reach even more students in the coming weeks.
Spring field trips began Wednesday, with 55 groups scheduled so far and more than 1,700 students expected to attend. During the visit, students rotate through interactive stations designed to teach a variety of safety lessons.
One of the first stops for visiting students was the safety house, where Lima Fire Inspector Warren Pughsley taught children about severe weather and what to do during watches and warnings. The program also covers personal safety, bike safety, home safety, and how to recognize potentially dangerous situations while out in the community.
"Hopefully they remember, and know that, hey, a bad person could be anyone that tries to trick me. Then we talk about the tricks they may try to use, whether it's candy, puppies, kittens, money, one kid today said an iPhone, 16. I'm like, there you go. Electronics. So they're very smart. They do understand and they get it," says Officer Eric Mericle Safety City Instructor
Mericle said there are still a few openings available for spring field trips and hopes participation will reach 2,000 students this season.
In addition to the spring sessions, spots remain open for the Safety City Summer Academy for children ages 5 to 9. More information can be found on the program’s Facebook page.
