Dateline: May 23, 2001 10:39 PM

5th Annual Kids' Safety Fair...Kimberly Connor

The Colleyville Police Department in conjunction with Kroger, held a Safety Fair Saturday, May 19, 2001, from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM in the Kroger parking lot located at 4904 Colleyville Blvd.  Kroger sponsored a slide for the kids as well as hot dogs and drinks.  

Participants this year were:  Colleyville Police Department, Colleyville Fire Department, Animal Control, North Richland Hills Crime Prevention Unit, Bedford Crime Prevention Unit, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, American Red Cross, Woman's Crisis Center of Tarrant Count, the Blue Knights Chapters 1 and 21 of Texas Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, Murray Home Security, Campus Crime Stoppers, and the Tarrant County Auto Theft Task Force had their trailer with literature and their "piece mill" truck.  The truck was made from stolen vehicles and no two parts came off the same truck.  Also, M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) furnished a wrecked Arlington Police Car.  Two officers lost their lives in this vehicle while on duty when a drunk driver crashed into them.   

Approximately 250 to 300 people attended this years event.  The attendance was a little low compared to past years.  Officer Hudgins stated, "This could be due to the heat or the fact that there were approximately six other safety events in Tarrant County on the same day.  I can't say why they picked May 19 but we chose this date because it is the end of Police Week.  Officers Memorial Day is on May 15.  Police Week runs from the Sunday before to the Saturday after May 15."  May 15 was approved as Peace Officers Memorial Day on October 1, 1962.  To find out more, go to http://www.nationalcops.org/law.htm.  

The goal of the Safety Fair was to enhance the communities knowledge on safety issues.  They provided pamphlets, coloring books, pencils and other items that all had different safety tips on them.  They were also there to answer questions from adults and children regarding safety.

There were a total of 12 Blue Knights and motorcycles that attended the event.  The Blue Knights are a non-profit fraternal organization consisting of active and retired law enforcement men and women who enjoy riding motorcycles.  The Blue Knights began in the Spring of 1974 with seven officers.  Since they have formed 391 chapters in 14 countries with a total of 12,866 members.  They sponsor numerous charity and fund raising events across the country.  Officer Bill Hudgins, Colleyville Police Department, is a member of Chapter 21 and stated, "The Blue Knights are here to enhance peoples attitude toward law enforcement and motorcycles at the same time."  In order to become a Blue Knight you must be a police officer, peace officer, or in law enforcement and ride a motorcycle.  To find more information regarding the Blue Knights, visit their website at http://www.blueknights.org/. 

The Colleyville Police Department will be doing another large safety fair in October in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce Expo.  Also in October, they will be having a Senior Fraud Conference at the  Arlington First Baptist Church.  This is a multi agency program coordinated through SALT.  SALT is an acronym for Seniors and Law enforcement Together.  The organization was created to get seniors and local police working together to prevent Seniors from becoming crime victims.  The SALT Council of Tarrant County meets every month on the first Tuesday at 2pm.  Locations vary month to month.  Contact Officers Hudgins at 817-281-5007 to get on the mailing list.  For more information, visit the Special Announcements and Events page at http://www.colleyville.com/05police/spclann.htm.  

In speaking with Officer Hudgins, it came to LNO's attention that they are still in need of two crossing guards for next year.  One position is for 7:30 to 8:30 AM and 2:30 to 3:30 PM.  The other is from 7:45 to 8:45 AM and 2:45 to 3:45 PM.  The pay is $10 per hour ($20 a day) and all of the equipment is provided.  All you have to do is show up on school days and help the GCISD children safe.  For additional information or to confirm your position, please contact Officer Hudgins at the Colleyville Police Department 817-281-5007 or via email at billhudg@flash.net.

Pictures courtesy of Officer Bill Hudgins and the Colleyville Police Department.