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Celina Police Unveil New Cruiser Won in Safety Campaign

Posted on: Friday, 7 April 2006, 15:00 CDT

By Bob Blake, The Lima News, Ohio

Apr. 7--CELINA -- Buckle up for safety.

With the red and blue lights flashing, and the horns and drums playing, the Celina Police Department on Thursday unveiled a new police cruiser given to the department based upon its efforts to promote seat-belt usage.

The 2006 Ford Police Interceptor, valued at more than $22,000, was given to the department by the Governor's Highway Safety Office through a drawing to the top law enforcement agencies in the state. Each department that was eligible for the drawing had programs that combined public education, targeted enforcement and public service messages designed to promote awareness of the importance of wearing a seat belt.

"It's one of those things that's hard to measure. You can't really measure the success we've had," Chief David Slusser said. "Our goal is to get safety-belt usage up to prevent injuries and save lives."

The department began looking into starting a program to increase awareness two to three years ago when there was a rash of fatal traffic crashes involving young drivers in Mercer and Auglaize counties, Slusser said. Students, teachers and administration at Celina High School quickly jumped onboard with the marching band learning the theme song for the " What's Holding You Back" campaign. Student-athletes also signed a banner of support for the initiative.

"I think the kids are in a position to teach the adults something," Slusser said. "You can make a difference. One person buckled up can make a difference in a crash."

Mayor Sharon LaRue said the collaboration between the police department and the schools is something positive that will benefit the whole community.

"It makes me very proud that the people in the city of Celina and the schools can come together to help the city. It shows that everyone in the city is supporting each other," LaRue said. "It helps the students know they are a part of helping get this."

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Lima News, Ohio

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Source: The Lima News

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