Base seeks crosswalk patrols for school year

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stacy Sanchez
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  To ensure child safety throughout the new school year, Team Lakenheath is searching for additional volunteers to join the RAF Lakenheath Volunteer Crosswalk Program.

The volunteer crosswalk program is a base-wide partnership between DoDDs, organizational leadership and parents to create a safe atmosphere for children walking to and from school.

"Our primary concern is safety," said Dr. Ninetta Brown, 48th Mission Support Group school liaison officer. "We want to encourage all parents to come out and assist in the program so we are able to get our children to school in a safe manner."

The crosswalks around Nathan Gate are considered high traffic areas, Dr. Brown said. This is the primary area that children are crossing the streets to get to school. Having volunteer patrols also makes drivers more aware of children in the area.

"Volunteering to be a crosswalk patrol gives parents a sense of security knowing that people care about their children by taking time out of their day to help them get to school during morning and afternoon traffic," said Staff Sgt. Scott Richard, 48th Fighter Wing ground safety. "It also gives kids a good feeling that we are making the area safe for them."

All it takes is an hour out of a person's day, Sergeant Richard said. It is worth it to make sure the community is safe.

"All we ask of the volunteers is that they have a positive attitude," Dr. Brown said. "So far, we have had great feedback about the support our volunteers have given."

For more information about the crosswalk program or to volunteer, call Kelly Foster at 226-5077.