WEST CHESTER POLICE

Keeping West Chester Residents Safe at Every Age

summer with registration through Lakota Schools.

Safety Village is made possible through several community partners including 3 Little Halos. Building a place where young children would be engaged in learning important safety lessons has been a mission for the Butler family of 3 Little Halos since the loss of their three grandchildren in a West Chester fire.

The week-long safety village programs will be offered starting in May and continuing through August.

The program is meant to be fun and engaging while covering topics like pedestrian and bike safety, fire safety, Stranger Danger, proper school bus behavior and more; all while campers traverse a mini village in pedal cars.

The West Chester Police Department’s work extends beyond regular patrol, investigating crime and responding to incidents. The officers of the Police Department are committed to providing residents with the information and training they need to be safe and aware.

The Police Department offers several education programs for residents of all age groups. This spring will bring back a popular class for high school seniors.

“The SAFE classes for high school seniors are designed to prepare young people for their move to college campuses across the country,” said Police Sgt. Michael Bruce. “The classes provide important self-defense strategies and other practical, critical-thinking tactics that will help keep them safe.”

Self-defense and Awareness through Fundamental Education (S.A.F.E.) was created as a result of requests from parents and with input from faculty of Lakota Local Schools. Classes were halted during COVID. Sessions include guided discussion on topics relevant to a high shcool senior who will be heading off to college for the first time, with the majority of time spent in rigorous self-defense training. There is a focus on rape prevention and awareness, personal protection and selfawareness.

Registration for SAFE sessions will begin in May.

More than 450 pre-K children participated in last summer’s inaugural Safety Village and the opportunity will be available again this

Safety Village is sponsored by Lakota Local School, 3 Little Halos, Northern Cincinnati Foundation, West Chester Police Department and the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.

The West Chester Fire Department will step up during sessions to share important information about home fire safety.

Registration for Safety Village will be offered through Lakota.