NEWS RELEASE: April 4 , 2006
FROM: The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT: LT John Eichkorn 785-296-6800
Trooper Edna R. Buttler
Patrol Presents Safety Program to Elemenatry Students
Werner Trucking to Present Mascot to Patrol
Traffic safety education is an important responsibility of the Kansas Highway Patrol, and working with children is one way to instill positive safety habits that youngsters can carry into adulthood. Werner Enterprises of Omaha, Nebraska agrees that traffic safety education is an important public service, which is why the trucking company has donated a 9-foot tall inflatable Road Dog mascot to the Patrol.
The mascot will be formally presented to Colonel William Seck and the Patrol during a safety program at 10 a.m., April 10 at Shawnee Heights Elementary School, 2410 SE Burton. During the program, KHP troopers will lead activities with first grade students to educate the children about why they should use seat belts and booster seats.
Signs & Shapes International Inc., of Omaha, Neb., specializes in creating air-inflated “Walk Around” costumes and made the mascot for the Patrol. The Patrol’s newest mascot, named Sarge, is another visual tool that troopers may use when talking to young Kansans about safety.
“Educating the public about safety is very important to the Patrol,” said Col. Seck. “Werner Enterprises’ generous donation will be a great asset in conveying our traffic safety message, particularly to Kansas’ children. Werner’s contribution is another excellent example of private / public PARTNERShips working together to save lives.”
There will be photo opportunities of Sarge interacting with the students, as well as troopers working with children to reinforce lifesaving behaviors.