Annual Safety Day Held at Ida Lee

hosted a child safety day at on Sunday afternoon, stressing the importance of practical knowledge in the case a fire, abduction or even animal bites should occur.

Police partnered with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to observe National Missing Children’s Day by participating in the national Take 25 child safety campaign created in 2007. The campaign began on May 1 and will continue through May 25 in communities throughout the country.

Organizers armed parents and caregivers with a number of resources including safety seat checks that were performed by members of the Leesburg Police Department. Members of the Geek Squad conducted router checks while three Internet safety seminars were held.

Local kids also got a chance to see a fire truck and two police cars, in addition to goodies such as coloring books, fire hats and pencils. Staff from Loudoun Inova Hospital, the Virginia Department of Health, and were also available to answer any questions.

"I think a lot of parents need to make sure that their up to date on what is safe out in the community," said Registered Nurse KC LeBlanc. "Ten years ago you would have never thought about Internet safety for your kids. And teaching the kids not to be afraid of the police or fire rescue is also important. They're here to keep you safe. For us, we want you to be healthy."

As of 4 p.m., Master Police Officer Christopher Tidmore said that only 25 people had attended the event. The good news, he said, is there are 25 more people who have been educated about keeping their family safe.

"I'd like to see more people," Tidmore said. "Child safety is very very important so that's why we try to offer different agencies. But I got 100 percent more than what I hoped for my bare minimum, which was one."

For more information on upcoming events or how to keep your family safe, contact Master Police Officer C.F. Tidmore at 703-771-4564 or at ctidmore@leesburgva.gov.