Officer Jim Paterno visited Weston Elementary School to remind students how to stay safe while trick-or-treating.
By: Donna Lukiw
This Tuesday, children will not be following the three rules they have been taught their entire lives: don’t talk to strangers, don’t knock on strangers’ doors and don’t take candy from strangers.
Manville Police Officer Jim Paterno visited Weston Elementary School students on Monday and reminded them how to stay safe while trick-or-treating.
Officer Craig Jeremiah, who has addressed students for the Halloween safety program in the past, said police make sure to visit kindergarten through third-grade classes every year.
Officer Jeremiah said children and parents should take several precautions during Halloween including wearing bright costumes and bringing a flashlight.
"You should walk on the sidewalks and not take shortcuts," he said. "Also, don’t get into a car with a stranger and don’t go inside people’s houses."
Weston Elementary School Principal Don Frank said the Police Department has been doing this for at least 14 years and also includes a drug-awareness program during this time.
"The Police Department calls us and asks if they can come in and do this every year," Mr. Frank said. "They also try to show up with McGruff on the date of our Halloween parade each year."
Officer Jeremiah said the Manville Police Department participates in this program because trick-or-treating on Halloween involves children breaking safety rules.
By following other rules though, the children could remain safe and still have fun trick-or-treating.
Officer Jeremiah said parents should make sure children’s costumes are comfortable so they can walk freely and check all candy before allowing their children to eat it.

