TRR photo by Mary Greene New York State Trooper Ben Johnson fingerprints Beth Martin, while mother Dawn and little sister Rebecca look on. Both children were fingerprinted and photographed. (Click for larger image)

Smile! It could save your life

By MARY GREENE

NARROWSBURG — Some 75 children received inky fingertips and red licorice at Narrowsburg Motors last Saturday.

The company, as part of a nationwide campaign, enlisted the help of the New York State troopers to record fingerprints and photos to make children easier to recover or identify in the unhappy event of a kidnapping or disappearance. “It’s everybody’s worst nightmare,” said one parent. “At least this makes you feel as though you’re doing something.”

The campaign was jumpstarted by actor and parent Jamie Lee Curtis, an activist in child safety issues.

Kathleen Johnson, Vice President of Narrowsburg Motors, said, “All the Ford dealers are trying to get involved. As a matter of fact, there is a similar event going on today up in Alaska. We put the word out and the New York State Troopers offered to help.”

In addition to the fingerprints and photos, handled by Trooper Ben Johnson, Trooper Barry Falk waited across the street with a trailer filled with car seats and car safety assists. He showed parents how to properly install child safety seats, and explained to children the importance of buckling up.

“Believe it or not,” he said, “Up to 90 percent of car seats are installed wrong.” And even if the car seats are attached properly, he said, children are often not buckled in correctly.

Falk has been trained as a child passenger safety technician. He and his trailer are available to visit community locations upon request. He is also active in helping parents rectify the situation with a brand new car seat, if needed, which he keeps in the trailer.

“Generally, parents will contribute something by sending a $10 check up to Albany. But, we will donate the seat if we see a need,” said Falk.

For more information regarding the child passenger safety program, call the Traffic Division of the New York State police in Middletown at 845/344-5300.