On Friday January 29, Hempstead County Sheriff James Singleton Deputies Lupe Becerra, (aka Eddie) and Stevie Beck, visited the students at First Methodist Church School. Students from Pre-School thru third Grade were given a safety lesson on what to do if they find a gun.

 

EDDIE had 4 very important steps that he wanted the students to know;

1. STOP - Stopping first allows your child the time he or she needs to remember the rest of the safety instructions.

2. DON'T TOUCH - A firearm that is not touched or disturbed is unlikely to be fired.

3. Run Away - Removes the temptation to touch the firearm as well as the danger that another person may negligently cause it to fire.

4. Tell A Grown-up - Children should seek a trustworthy adult, neighbor, relative or teacher - if a parent or guardian is not available.

 

The Eddie Eagle Gun Safe® program is a gun accident prevention program that for over 30 years has helped keep kids safe. The program was developed by a task force made up of educators, school administrators, curriculum specialists, urban housing safety officials, clinical psychologists, law enforcement officials and National Rifle Association firearm safety experts. It began in 1988 with one mission: teach children four simple, easy to remember steps so they know what to do if they ever come across a gun. In 2015 the NRA introduced a fresh, new Eddie and added some friends-his Wing Team. Though Eddie has evolved, his mission has not. Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, Eddie and his friends are still focused on telling children that if they see a gun, they need to Stop! Don't touch. Run away. Tell a grown-up.

 

You talk about stranger danger, Internet safety, fire drills and more with children...so why not include gun safety? The program makes no value judgments about firearms, no firearms are ever used, and it covers an important topic that needs to be addressed with kids. Like swimming pools, electrical outlets and matchbooks, firearms are simply treated as a part of everyday life. With firearms found in about half of all American households, it's a stance that makes sense.

The Safety program is available to all School groups Pre-K - 5th grade, if you would like to Have Eddie come to your school, church, or civic group please call me at the Sheriff's Office to schedule a time. 870-777-6727.

 

"IN GOD WE TRUST"

Sheriff James Singleton