For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Wakefield Police Host Massachusetts Child Passenger Safety Training

WAKEFIELD — Chief Rick Smith announces that the Wakefield Police Department hosted a Massachusetts Child Passenger Safety (CPS) training program at the Wakefield Police Station last week.

Twenty-seven individuals participated in the three day program beginning on Dec. 10. The course provided certification for police officers, firefighters, and healthcare workers who wished to become CPS Car Seat Technicians and for those who needed to renew their certifications.

The training programs were provided by the accredited Baystate Children’s Hospital — the lead agency for Safe Kids of Western Massachusetts and Safe Kids Buckle Up for nearly 20 years.

The Safe Kids Buckle Up Program provides child passenger safety education and ensures proper installation of car seats through a Child Car Seat Inspection Station and Mobile Car Seat Check Up Events.

In order to become a certified CPS Car Seat Technician, participants must be 18 years or older and pass one CPS Certification Course, which includes successfully completing written quizzes, hands-on assessments and a checkup event. For more information on becoming a certified CPS Car Seat Technician, click here.

CPS Certifications expire every two years. In order to successfully complete the re-certification process, technicians must conduct all five different types of seat checks, participate in at least one community event (checkup or workshop), and participate in at least six continuing education units. In addition, CPS Instructors must complete 20 Certification/Certification Renewal Testing Course teaching hours. For more information about completing the re-certification process, click here.

The Wakefield Police Department currently has three car seat technicians who are available to assist the public with child safety seat checks and installations.

Visit the Wakefield Police Department’s website for more information on how to schedule a car seat check or installation appointment. 

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