NEWS RELEASE: April 10 , 2006
FROM: The Kansas Highway Patrol
CONTACT: LT John Eichkorn 785-296-6800
Trooper Edna R. Buttler
Werner Trucking Presents Mascot to Patrol
Road Dog mascot will be used to present safety programs
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 donated a 9-foot tall inflatable Road Dog mascot to the Patrol.
“Educating young people about traffic safety is very important to the Patrol. Werner Enterprises’ generous donation will be a great asset in conveying our traffic safety message, particularly to Kansas’ children,” said Patrol Superintendent Colonel William R. Seck. “Werner’s contribution is another excellent example of private/public PARTNERShips working together to save lives.”
Werner Enterprises, based in Omaha, Nebraska, formally presented the mascot to Col. Seck and the Patrol during a safety program April 10 at Shawnee Heights Elementary School, in Shawnee County, Kan. The safety program was conducted to teach first grade students about why they should use seat belts and booster seats.
“Although we are an Omaha-based corporation, our concerns about highway safety and the safety of children are not confined to the State of Nebraska,” said Werner Vice President of Safety Duane Henn. “We feel it is important to comply with federal safety regulations and keep all child passengers safe as they share the road with commercial trucks.”
Signs & Shapes International Inc., also of Omaha, Neb., specializes in creating air-inflated “Walk Around” costumes and made the mascot for the Patrol. The mascot, named Sarge, is another visual tool that troopers may use when talking to young Kansans about safety.