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The Prescott Police Department in conjunction with the Prescott Unified School District began instruction of the Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program to PUSD school children on October 13, 2008. This program was created by the Nation Rifle Association in 1988 for the specific purpose of preventing firearm accidents involving children. The Eddie Eagle Gun Safe Program has been taught to more than 19 million children age groups preschool thru third grade.
The National Center for Health Statistics reports that among children, fatal firearms accidents have been reduced more than two-thirds since the inception of the program. Our nation has approximately 80 million gun owners, owning over 200 million guns. This program instructs children what to do in the likely event that they come across a gun at home, at a friend's house or out playing, which is STOP! DON'T TOUCH! LEAVE THE AREA, TELL AN ADULT! The program also teaches children the difference between unsafe gun practices shown on TV, and real life situations with an emphasis that "real guns are not toys".
The program does not make a decision on whether gun ownership is good or bad, simply that children should not play with guns or handle them without adult supervision. This format includes workbooks and a video featuring the program mascot Eddie Eagle. Eddie Eagle not only covers gun safety, but also incorporates Stranger Danger, fire safety messages such as Stop, Drop, and Roll and other fire hazards. He also teaches children about 911, household medications and swimming pool safety.
In September, members of the Prescott Police Department's Special Enforcement Section met with PUSD Superintendent Kevin Kapp in hopes of starting the program. Kapp was very enthusiastic about the start up of this program and five classes were set up for preschool thru third grade. One class was taught at five different PUSD grade schools as a test program. It is the hope that eventually all preschool thru third grade classes in the PUSD will have the program once a year.
The program uses classroom materials and props such as the mascot costume and rewards for the children. These materials are provided to Law Enforcement on a grant from the Friends of the NRA. The cost for the mascot costume and prizes like stuffed eagle dolls are not covered under the grant. The grant is also limited to funds on hand on a yearly basis. After the funds are depleted the cost of all materials needed for the class are shouldered by the agency conducting the class.
The cost of the mascot costume is $2,700, and materials for each class taught costs about $50. The Police Department has asked for financial assistance in funding the program from local Gun Dealers and local businesses. The response and support this program generated was incredible. We were able to raise over $9,500 dollars ensuring funding for this program for several years to come.
We would like to thank J&G Sales, Davidson's Inc., Ruger Firearms, Country Bank and Maurice Brutinel, American Firearms Training and Tactics, The Prescott Valley Sportsman's Club, Geoffrey's Fine Jewelry, Bills Trading Post and The Pawn Palace for their support. These local businesses and their owners are the only way we are able to bring this necessary safety program to our local children.
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