MARC Home Page > Public Safety Home Page

News Archives

Nov. 2, 2010

Red E. Fox program continues to grow

Kids, parents and teachers thank volunteers

The 2010–2011 Red E. Fox 9-1-1 school program has reached 2,500 students since late September. Public education and outreach volunteers visit local schools to teach kindergarten, first- and second-grade students when and how to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency.

“Talking to the kids about 9-1-1 and the different reasons they may need to call will possibly take away the fear they may have should they ever need to call,” said Connie Felten, a shift supervisor from the Lee’s Summit Police Department who has been participating in public safety outreach and education activities for more than six years.

After watching a video starring Red E. Fox, the 9-1-1 mascot, each student gets the opportunity to practice making a 9-1-1 call. MARC’s public safety program provides handouts, including a pencil, sticker, bookmark and an informational brochure for parents and guardians.

“Teaching school children actually helps to educate the parents also. The kids always share what they learned and they take the information we give them home to the parents. At National Night Out, I always have parents stop by and thank us for going to the schools to teach their kids,” said Felten.

Felten also received some thank you notes from some students at Meadow Lane Elementary in Lee’s Summit. She and her agency’s public outreach team, including PSAP Manager Ruth Quirk, Communications Supervisor Laura O’Donnell and Communications Specialist Dana Powell, presented to nearly 90 kindergartners in October.

The Red E. Fox program not only benefits the community, but also helps public safety agencies by providing an opportunity for PSAP personnel to get to know citizens in their area; allowing youth to meet and have positive interaction with local emergency service personnel; potentially reducing the number of hang-up, crank or misdialed calls; and possibly reducing response time by preparing children for what questions they may be asked should they ever have to call 9-1-1.

“I want to thank my department for being so supportive of the program and allowing me to participate,” Felten said.

MARC is looking for more public education and outreach volunteers from local public safety agencies. The goal is to have at least one designated volunteer from every PSAP. For more information about becoming a public safety outreach and education volunteer, e-mail Jen Houston or call 816/701-8394.

Download and view thank you notes (6.5 MB) from the kindergarten students at Meadow Lane Elementary.