SHERIFF’S OFFICE SETS PARTICIPATION RECORD FOR SEEK 9-1-1 PROGRAM

Howell: The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating a milestone by reaching the 40,000th participant mark of the SEEK 9-1-1 Program at the Newbury Elementary School in Howell Township. SEEK (Sheriff’s Emergency Education for Kids) teaches first grade students how to use the 9-1-1 emergency number properly. On Oct. 7, Sheriff Shaun Golden presented a plaque to the school’s principal, Dr. James Quinn, in recognition of this achievement.

“The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office is proud to have accomplished this great milestone,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “The importance of using the 9-1-1 emergency call-in number is vital to public safety. SEEK 9-1-1 teaches children how to get the help they need quickly, for their own safety and for their families.”

The SEEK 9-1-1 program, includes a fun video featuring animated characters and a catchy song reinforcing the central message. Instructors also provide a hands on interactive session using telephone simulators to role play various emergency scenarios. Scenarios include what happens when a child hangs up without speaking to a 9-1-1 telecommunicator, handling an injury, what to do if you are home alone and see a prowler and when it is not appropriate to call 9-1-1.

“The Newbury Elementary School has been participating in this valuable program for several years and we are honored SEEK 9-1-1’s 40,000th mark was commemorated here in Howell Township.”

Richard Eisenbeis is the instructor of the program and has spent more than 900 hours of his time presenting SEEK 9-1-1 to students. The retired school teacher from Aberdeen is a dedicated member of the sheriff’s office VISCOMP (Volunteers in Sheriff’s Community Programs).

“Being a part of SEEK 9-1-1 helps ensure the safety of children and their families,” said Richard Eisenbeis. “That effort alone makes volunteering quite rewarding, and, it also provides me with the feeling that I’m giving something back to the community.”

The Monmouth County 9-1-1 Communications Center serves 45 of the county’s 53 municipalities and receives more than 1,200 calls per day. A large percentage of the 9-1-1 calls received are wrong numbers, prank calls, hang ups or non-emergencies. During the presentation, SEEK 9-1-1 instructors emphasize the appropriate times to call 9-1-1 and when other non-emergency phone numbers should be used.

“The Sheriff’s Office is committed to safety and youth education and we’re proud to make the SEEK 9-1-1 program available to elementary schools throughout Monmouth County,” said Sheriff Golden. “It’s important for students and adults to remember to SEEK 9-1-1 during an emergency.”

News Release – MCSO Marks Milestone through SEEK 9-1-1 Program