Kid’s Safety Academy Teaches Youngsters to Stay Safe, Help Others

Noubar Karamanoukian said he had been looking for a way to teach his 6-year-old daughter about personal safety, but wasn’t sure how to convey the information. “I contacted the Pasadena Police Department,” he said, “and they told me about this Kid’s Safety Academy. I’m really glad they offer something like this.”

On Saturday morning, 16 children and their parents were assembled at the Pasadena Police Dept. headquarters to be introduced to the program, which brings together city and county agencies to teach children ages 6 to 12 about how to help others and keep themselves safe. Spc. Karla Kauhola, a 25-year-veteran of the force, heads up the class.

The kids meet for seven consecutive Saturdays at various locations throughout Pasadena, including the police shooting range, Eaton Canyon Nature Center, Jefferson Park, Code3Life and Fire Station 33. They learn about personal safety and stranger danger, emergencies, nature safety, bicycling, health and nutrition, CPR and first aid, and fire safety.

Each child is fingerprinted and photographed at the first class and given an identification card for their parents. At the last class, children who have completed the course receive certificates and emergency kits in a graduation ceremony.

Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez introduced himself to the children by asking, “Who knows what a chief of police does?” No one raised a hand. “I’m still trying to figure it out, too,” he laughed. Sanchez encouraged the kids to use their intelligence to learn life skills. “Remember, the Pasadena Police Department will always be your friend. Always be your friend.”

Becky Cerling said she borught her 10-year-old son, because a Cub Scout leader and a Sunday school teacher who are both police officers piqued his interest in becoming a police officer. Safety is another of his interests; after hearing a car accident one day, he wanted to know how it happened and who would be responding.

Lucila Campa’s two daughters are 6 and 8. They heard about Kid’s Safety Academy from a speaker at a Saturday reading program and became curious about the class, so she figured it was time to enroll them.

A parent or responsible adult must accompany the children to the classes. Speaking to the parents, Sgt. Bobby Lomeli, whose daughter attended the first class 10 years ago along with Kauhola’s son, said, “Parents, it’s very important for you to be here. To know and reiterate what the kids are learning.”

Kauhola told them, “My goal for this class is that each one of the kids, even the younger ones, can be a help to you in an emergency.”

Three sessions are offered each year, each limited to 30 students. Though geared to Pasadena children, kids are accepted from other cities. Children are required to attend all classes; if they miss more than one, they may be be asked to leave the program, Kauhola said. The second session starts in February and another will begin in late spring. Information is on the website, http://www.pasadenapolicefoundation.org/kidssafety The free classes are sponsored by the Pasadena Police Department and Pasadena Fire Department and are paid for with private, not public, funds.

“Even if I can get through to one of these kids, it’s worth it,” Kauhola said.