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RCMP promoting a safe Halloween

The Bonnyville RCMP want to ensure everyone has a safe and happy Halloween. That’s why for the first time, they’ll be holding the RCMP Safe Halloween Program. “It’s a way for us to give safety tips and treats to the kids of the community.
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The local RCMP detachment is hosting a Halloween Safety Program on Thursday.

The Bonnyville RCMP want to ensure everyone has a safe and happy Halloween.


That’s why for the first time, they’ll be holding the RCMP Safe Halloween Program.


“It’s a way for us to give safety tips and treats to the kids of the community. It’s to help them stay safe on Halloween,” said Cst. Megan Letang.


The program not only teaches the community about Halloween safety, it also gives families a platform to get to know their local police force.


“I think a community outreach project like this one really helps bridge the gap between families and the RCMP and gives us a chance to talk to the (community) in a positive way,” Letang expressed.


On Oct. 31, families are invited to the local detachment between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to take part in the inaugral RCMP Safe Halloween Program.


The first 300 through the door will receive a Safety Pumpkin, which is filled to the brim with treats and tips for safe trick or treating.


“We’ve had different partnerships with a lot of community partners who have donated the products we will be handing out, which will be an orange pumpkin. Inside will be a juice box, whistle, glow stick, a healthy snack, and a Halloween safety pamphlet,” Letang explained.


They will also have an RCMP cruiser on display, and have invited the fire department and Bonnyville Victim Services to come out as well.


According to Cpl. Kim Hillier, Letang created the program as part of her training.


“When we have new members come, part of their training is to do a community profile and to look at an issue they see in the community and to develop a program or response to that issue,” Hillier noted. “We’re pretty proud of this project she’s put together.”


According to Letang, inspiration for the program came from the popular television show Brooklyn 99.


“I saw the episode and I just thought, ‘this is what I have to do.’”


She added, “I really like kids in the community, and I really like doing things with kids. I think kids shouldn’t be afraid of the police, and proactive policing like this is one way they can come and interact with us in a positive way.”


They’re hoping to expand the program next year, if it proves to be a hit the first time around.


In the past, members would be invited to local schools to give presentations on Halloween safety, but through the implementation of this event, they will be able to reach everyone in the community who stops by.


“This is a way for us to reach out to kids from all different schools, all parts of the community, and it’s not just focused on one classroom at a time,” said Hillier.

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