Mission police chief visits elementary school to teach Halloween safety tips

St. Ignatius Police Chief Jason Acheson visited St. Ignatius Elementary School on Friday, Oct. 30, to speak with students about Halloween safety and precautions before trick-or-treating.

Along with his presentation, Acheson brought donations from local business owners, the Burkhardt family and Big Heart Family Dentistry in Kalispell. These donations included reflective safety trick-or-treating bags, safety glow sticks, mini flashlights, toys, candy, travel-sized toothpaste and small dinosaur-themed toothbrushes.

“I am grateful to the businesses and individuals who stepped forward to support this effort,” Acheson said. “Their generosity is a great example of community involvement and the positive impact that can be made when local organizations and law enforcement work together for the benefit of our children.” 

Acheson’s presentation included teaching the students to stay with an adult, move in a group, stop before crossing streets and use crosswalks. He also detailed steps they could take to be visible in the dark, such as carrying a flashlight or wearing reflective clothing. 

He also taught students to check their candy before eating it and to never enter a stranger's home. 

    Mission Police Chief Jason Acheson demonstrates an interactive exercise he calls "STOP" to Mission Elementary School students. (Chantelle Moore photo)