Tyndall parents ensure children safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Veronica McMahon
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. --  Two Tyndall Air Force Base Airmen organized an event to keep military children safe in parent's vehicles during driving time - free car seat checks. 

Tech. Sgt. Scott Jessen, 325th Maintenance Operations Squadron distance learning non-commissioned officer in charge, and his wife, Tech. Sgt. Dawn Jessen, 325th Aero Medical Dental Squadron clinical dentistry NCOIC, coordinated the event after witnessing many unsafe instances where children in vehicles were in harms way. 

"I've seen cars driving on the highways with kids running around," he said. "I also see people going in and out of stores, and I notice children barely strapped in (car seats)." 

Those waiting for an inspection also had ample safety material to review. 

"It keeps people occupied and starts jogging their memory for questions to ask," said Sergeant Jessen. 

Two Troopers who are qualified child passenger safety technicians, stood in front of the cars individually checking and accessing the car seats. 

Each check takes 10 to 15 minutes unless a serious problem is encountered, said Trooper James Swearingin. 

The volunteer troopers complimented Tyndall residents on safety awareness. 

"Ninety percent of what we checked has either been correct or has only needed a little bit of tweaking," said Trooper Tammy Tindle-Husar. "This is an improvement from what we have seen at other car seat checks. (Base) parents are very educated in how the car seats are supposed to be set up." 

In total, 50 car seats were checked. 

"We are really happy with the turn out and are very thankful to all the people who took the time and effort to wait in line to make sure their children are safe," said Sergeant Jessen. "We are hoping to do this again next year."