Cape May County Sheriff’s Office is offering a new educational program on gun safety for children from pre-K to grade 3.
Sheriff Gary Schaffer said, “The purpose of the program isn’t to teach whether guns are good or bad, but rather to promote the protection and safety of children.”
The program makes no value judgments about firearms, and no firearms are ever used in the program. Like swimming pools, electrical outlets, matchbooks and household poison, guns are treated simply as a fact of everyday life. Schaffer stated, “With firearms found in about half of all American households, it’s a stance that makes sense.”
The program is complete with its own mascot–Eddie Eagle. The Sheriff’s Office already has McGruff the crime fighting dog, who educates our children on the dangers of strangers, bullying, drugs, alcohol and gangs and now Eddie Eagle who will assist with youth education programs that teach young people the dangers of firearms.
“I am thrilled that the Cape May County Chiefs of Police Association has seen a value in this program and have also joined in sponsoring the program. I am thankful that they have purchased the Eddie Eagle costume to enable us to advance this program to the youth of our county,” added Sheriff Schaffer.
The National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) formally endorsed The Eddie Eagle Gun Safe Program. This program is funded in part by the National Rifle Association. The Eddie Eagle Program has no agenda other than accident prevention, ensuring that children stay safe should they encounter a gun.
Since 1988, the Eddie Eagle Gun Safe Program has been taught to more than 19 million children, by 25,000 school teachers, law enforcement officers and community safety activists. Just as Smokey Bear teaches children not to play with matchbooks, Eddie Eagle teaches them not to play with firearms with a simple, memorable four-part plan: If you see a see a gun: STOP! Don’t Touch. Leave the Area. Tell an Adult.
Schaffer concluded, “We have experienced some unfortunate incidents in Cape May County with children and firearms.
Teaching gun safety presents a challenge. Our children routinely see unsafe and irresponsible gun handling on television and in the movies. The difference between “pretend” and “real” activities and consequences is often not clear to a child. Our children need to know: REAL GUNS ARE NOT TOYS.”
For additional information or to request an educational session please contact Officer Paul Shelton at 609-465-6831 or email pshelton@cmcsheriff.net.
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