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Four-year-olds from Rutherford’s Cooperative Day Nursery had a chance to sit inside a police car and a fire truck as they visited the police station on Park Avenue.
Rutherford Detective Sgt. Thomas Lewis coordinated the event with the school to educate the children about law enforcement.
“The kids at that age will learn about what the police do and how we keep everyone safe,” Lewis said. “It’s important for the kids to know that if they are ever in trouble they can come to a police officer.”
Police Officer Steve Villareale showed off the police motorcycle used for patrols and talked about the importance of wearing a helmet. He also displayed the department’s Hummer, which is used for flood response.
Rutherford firefighter Sean Walker, an ex-chief, brought over a fire truck for the youngsters to climb inside.
“We try to educate the kids year round,” Walker said. “We will go around to schools and teach the girl scouts and boy scouts.”
RCDN Director Jean McNamara corralled students around and snapped photos of their experience.
“We want the kids to know they shouldn’t be afraid of law enforcement and know they are here to help them,” McNamara said.
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