Monroe police, fire report to school children

As is tradition during Monroe’s Police and Fire Appreciation Week, police officers and firefighters spent time in Monroe School District classrooms last week, engaging with kids and answering their questions.

Officer Tim Walker met with kids in the developmental preschool class at Frank Wagner Elementary School on Tuesday, Nov. 15. A 16-year veteran of the Monroe Police Department, Walker has been awarded numerous honors over the years, including a letter of commendation as a member of Monroe’s former Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) and a letter of recognition for his response during a drowning incident at Monroe’s Lake Tye Park in 2012. He participated in the 2009 mayor-for-a-day program, providing the honorary elected official with a glimpse at how things work in his patrol car.

Last week, he dazzled 4- and 5-year-old students at Frank Wagner, who had crafted their own custom police caps in anticipation of his visit. He showed them all the different parts of his uniform, including his handcuffs and other items, explaining what each piece of equipment is used for.

The visit also offered an educational piece, as Walker stressed the importance of gun safety.

“We never want to pick up a gun and start playing with it,” Walker said. “That’s probably one of the most important things I can tell you guys today.”

After his presentation, the class went outside for a quick visual tour of his patrol car.

Meanwhile, firefighters from Snohomish County Fire District 7 visited with a nearby classroom, chatting with kids about the different roles firefighters play. Capt. Jeff Zornes, Jeff Dickinson and Tyler Compton fielded questions and spent time talking about what it’s like to be firefighters.

Numerous other classroom visits took place over the course of the week. For more information about the Monroe Police Department, visit facebook.com/MonroeWAPolice. For more information about Fire District 7, visit facebook.com/firedistrict7.