Officer Ryan Piper of the Pierceton Police Department stands alongside Paramedic Alicia Elder prior to the safety inspection.

PIERCETON — Parents picking up or dropping off their students at Pierceton Elementary School last week, Aug. 30, were surprised by Pierceton police and paramedics who held pre-planned safety inspections of each vehicle.

The inspections were requested by the school. Officer Ryan Piper and Paramedic Alicia Elder visited each vehicle as families exited the pickup line and were on hand as a public service to provide the safety inspection of seat belts and car seats for each child.

No citations were given for improper seat restraints, but six car seats were provided to needy families free of charge. The seats were donated by Lutheran EMS Kosciusko, which regularly offers free safety inspections. As a result of the day’s efforts, 23 students were given proper direction for safety restraints.

“Principal McClain had contacted us to talk to parents about making sure their children are properly restrained,” said Elder. “It’s really important for parents, even when they feel like they’re doing a pickup and they’re only going a couple of blocks. It completely puts their child at risk. We’re just hoping that everybody will take a couple of extra seconds to make sure your most precious cargo is safest in your car.”

An alert was sent out by Whitko Community Schools following the safety check which read, “Thank you to all families who participated in today’s Car Seat Check. Safety is a priority at PES. Please help continue to keep our school safe by practicing safety in the car pickup line. Check the center harness. Check seat expiration dates. Remember, Lutheran offers free car seat inspections to those in need.”