EHFD secures more than $10,000 in child passenger safety grants

Lt. Michelle Walker conducts child passenger safety clinic with Lt. Eric Walker assisting.

Submitted by EMS Captain Melanie Kolek

The East Haddam Fire Department is proud to announce that Lt. Michelle Walker has secured more than $10,000 in grant funding and equipment to expand child passenger safety resources for families throughout the community.

Lt. Walker became a certified child passenger safety technician through “Safe Kids Worldwide” after completing an intensive 40-hour training program that included classroom instruction, written examinations, hands-on practical testing, and the operation of a public safety clinic. To maintain certification, she participates in ongoing training, receives instruction on newly released car seats, attends state-sponsored educational programs, and conducts community safety events.

Lt. Walker obtained grants from both Safe Kids Connecticut/Connecticut Children's Medical Center and the Yale New Haven Health Injury Prevention Program. Through the grants, Lt. Walker received a total of 24 child safety seats as well as supplied child-sized training dummies used for installation demonstrations, educational materials, safety clinic equipment, traffic control supplies, and specialized tools needed to assist families with proper car seat installation.

The grant awards represent a significant investment in the safety of East Haddam's youngest residents and will strengthen the department's ability to provide free child passenger safety services to the community.

Earlier this year, Walker organized East Haddam's first child passenger safety clinic, bringing these important services directly to local families. The next East Haddam child passenger safety clinic is scheduled for Sept. 20 at EHFD’s Company 2 on W.F. Palmer Road.

The East Haddam Fire Department congratulates Lt. Walker on her initiative and dedication in securing these grants and expanding an important public safety service for East Haddam residents. Residents who need assistance with car seat installation, child passenger safety education, or access to a child safety seat are encouraged to contact Lt. Walker directly at michelle0524walker@gmail.com.