Safety Matters - October 2008

By now everyone has heard that I have accepted the Chief of Police position with the Warrenton Police Department. I again want to thank everyone for the last four years (since May 2004) that I have had the privilege to be your police chief. I would also like thank the hundreds of people who have expressed their support and well-wishes for me while also expressing their sadness to see me leave. I have been touched by everyone's sentiments and want you to know that Vernonia has made a lasting impression on me and my family. When I am asked why I am leaving I have a one word answer; time. The position is Warrenton will still b a working chief's position but will afford me more time to be with my family. Though I am fully committed to my job, family will always be my number one priority. Thank you again Vernonia and remember I will only be a short distance away and will always be available to answer any of your questions. My last Safety Matters article will coincide with the last 3-Flags Safety Blitz being conducted the Pacific Northwest. The Blitz is designed to enhance and focus police enforcement efforts on DUII drivers and traffic offenses with an emphasis on Safety Belt use and Child Safety Seats. The last Blitz dates were September 8th to September 21st and the VPD conducted enhanced patrols and participated in saturation patrols on Hwy 30 during the Rockfest Concerts. Child Safety Seat and Booster Seat laws can be confusing. In an effort to clear up the confusion I will quickly review the laws. I have also placed a handy chart outside the front window of the police station that shows you, depending on the height and weight of your child, what state law requires. Oregon State Law requires: Infants to ride rear-facing until they reach both one year of age AND twenty pounds; Children over one year old AND between 20 and 40 pounds must be properly secured with a forward-facing child safety seat up to a minimum of 40 pounds; Children over 40 pounds must be properly secured in a booster seat until they are age 8 OR 4'9" in height; Children age 8 or older OR are taller than 4'9" must ride properly secured with the safety belt system. I have placed flyers outside the VPD window with all of this information on them.