Members of the Los Alamos Police Department showed students the Special Operations vehicle. Students also met LAPD Detective Mike Weiss and his K9 partner Jaskey. Photo Courtesy LAPS

LAPS NEWS RELEASE

Ninety-nine incoming kindergartners successfully completed this year’s Los Alamos County’s Child Safety Program Preschool Safety Training Course. Students were presented with Certificates of Completion by their Safety Town teachers during a ceremony attended by family members, Safety Town staff and members of the Los Alamos Police Department.

Students performed three songs about safety they learned during the week. The program also featured a slide show highlighting the events of the week, including riding bikes, visits from the police and fire departments.

“This was the 11th anniversary year for Safety Town in Los Alamos,” said program coordinator and LAPS Preschool Director Jennifer Washnok. “Every year the students and families look forward to this week.”

Safety Town is sponsored by Los Alamos Public Schools, Los Alamos County, and the Los Alamos Police Department. More than 900 children have attended Safety Town since the program was started in 2015 by Chief Dino Sgambellone. Supt. Jennifer Guy commented, “This program is a great example of community collaboration and support for kids.”

Each day of Safety Town focused on a different safety topic. The first day was all about water, animal and hearing safety.

Students learned water safety practices, including wearing life vests. They were also taught about what to do if they encounter animals, who to call, and what are safe practices. Dangerous Decimals, which focused on hearing safety, was facilitated by Michael Rosenow, LANL.

Fire Safety was the topic on Tuesday, with visits from the fire department and discussions about what is an emergency, when to call 911, what to do in the event of a fire, and the importance of knowing your address. Students had the chance to check out the smoke truck, an ambulance and a fire truck. They also timed how fast a fire fighter donned his gear.

Police safety was the topic of the day on Wednesday. Students learned about gun safety, including what to do if you find a gun. They also met Los Alamos Police Detective Mike Weiss and his K9 partner Jaskey, and climbed in the Special Operations vehicle. Chief Sgambellone read two stories to students, and handed out books for students to take home.

On Thursday, students learned about transportation safety. LAPS Director of Transportation Keith Rosenbaum discussed bus safety rules, and how to wait at the bus stops. Students were able to board the school bus and ride the bus around the block. Atomic City Transportation was also in attendance to teach students about public transportation. LAPD Officer James Keane taught students how to safely cross the streets using the cross walks.

Every day students had the chance to practice bike safety. Century Bank and the Los Alamos Schools Foundation donated bike helmets to each child participating in Safety Town. Students rode around the bike course on bikes that had been donated to the program by Kristy Ortega, Associate Broker, RE/MAX First. Los Alamos High School students in the Stagecraft and Theatrical Building Trades class, in collaboration with Los Alamos County and the Los Alamos Police Department, built new props featuring Century Bank, RE/MAX, the LAFD and LAPD for this year’s bike course.

Thank you to the LAPD School Resource Officers Sergeant Joseph Dezendorf, Corporal Amos Smith, Corporal James Keane, and Corporal John Harris, Chief Sgambellone, and the LAPS staff members who helped to make the 2026 Safety Town a success, including teachers Carrie Johnson, Secilli Keeler, Suzanne Silva, Denise Alcala and Maria Fe West, and educational assistants Joanie Maestas, Emily Thacker, Kaitlyn Alonzo, Seth Heatherly, Christina Aumack and Mary Yamada. Several high school students volunteered for Safety Town, including Allayh Cole, Olivia Ortega, Ameera Finn, Calah Crittenden and football players Curtis Sisneros, Derik Rodriguez, and Colten Garinger. They were a big help with the students.

Students learned bus safety and were able to take a ride on a school bus during Safety Town. Photo Courtesy LAPS

Each student received a bike helmet on the first day of Safety Town. Thank you to Century Bank and the Los Alamos Schools Foundation for the donation of bike helmets. Photo Courtesy LAPS