Students learn from local law enforcement

Students learn from local law enforcement
Posted on 05/22/2019
CHP Officer Brad Logan shows students his patrol car.During two special visits from local law enforcement last week, Plumas Charter School’s youngest students learned about safety and being good citizens. By interacting with uniformed public servants, the children also learned how to get help without being afraid.

On May 21, Plumas County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Commander Todd Johns provided a special presentation for first- and second-graders. PCS teacher Katelyn Johns (Todd’s daughter) reported that Commander Johns discussed the importance of being a good friend and not a bully, working hard in school, and trying your best.

He also explained what law enforcement officers do, and how students who aspire to enter that field can reach their goals.
The class learned about safety, such as wearing a helmet, buckling their seatbelts, and when to call 911. They then had an opportunity to ask questions of Commander Johns, who has been with PCSO for 28 years, see his duty belt, and check out the patrol car’s sirens and lights.

The following day, PCS students in transitional kindergarten and kindergarten received a visit from California Highway Patrol Officer Brad Logan, whose daughter Adrienne is in the class.

Instructional aide Lindsey Kimzey said that students started by making a list of facts they already knew about the CHP. Next, they drafted a list of questions for Officer Logan, including “Do you arrest bank robbers?” and “What do you do all day?”

Officer Logan did explain what he does all day, and also talked about his training and how he protects himself. The students received badges and coloring books, and also got to explore his patrol car, see the colored lights, and hear the siren.

Law enforcement officers provide valuable information to students during these visits, and the class also learns about the services that enable a community to function.

But there’s a deeper purpose to visits from law enforcement (and firefighting) personnel: through personalized interactions like this, in which students can voice their questions and concerns, children overcome their fear of interacting with someone in a uniform. The ability to calmly get help and give information in an emergency could save someone’s life.

“We’re here to help you,” said Officer Logan. “You can always come up to us. I’m not scary.”

For more information about the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office, call (530) 283-6375. For the Quincy branch of the California Highway Patrol, call (530) 283-1100. To learn more about Plumas Charter School, call (530) 283-3851.

By Ingrid Burke, I. Burke Writing & Editing
[email protected]


In the photo: California Highway Patrol Officer Brad Logan provides a special opportunity for Plumas Charter School kindergartners to learn about his patrol vehicle and equipment May 22. Back, from left: Kenzie Ayotte, Kenzie King, Charlotte Lohn, Lilyanne Hahn, Adrienne Logan, Officer Logan, Olivia Pence, Alice Coats, and Ember West. Front, from left: Bodhi Simonetti, Darrah McAllister, Grayson Olschowka, Jenna Moore, Abby Hepner, and Liam Dale. Photo by Inge Stock