Huron police get new safety tool

HURON — The Huron Police Department equipped itself with a new layer of traffic safety to prevent accidents in dangerous conditions on roadways. The safety arrow was designed by a retired Indiana state trooper, the same trooper that invented stop sticks in 1996, which became a staple for police departments nationwide. The arrow is a large reflective magnet that can be stuck to the back of a car to direct oncoming traffic. Product specialist Bruce Molnar, also a former officer, said the arrow provides law enforcement with extra protection that is needed in hazardous traffic conditions. "It can be very dangerous on the roads for officers, in the fog or stormy conditions late at night," Molnar said. "The arrow adds the extra layer of visibility and protection." The Huron Eagles club donated just over $900 to Huron police to ensure an arrow be available for every police car. Molnar said the arrow has several utilities, including helping officers to direct traffic in construction zones and to signal to emergency medical helicopters where they can land at the scene of a crash. The arrow and several other reflective safety gear are available on the safety arrow website. "Everyone should have one of these in their cars," Molnar said. "If you get a flat tire, anything, and all you do is stick it on like a magnet, it's so simple but it works." According to the CDC, since 2011, 114 officers have died from being struck by a vehicle on the side of the road. Construction also workers have high numbers, 709 died from fatal accidents in 2019. "We want to thank the Huron Eagles for their generosity. We'll be forever grateful to them and their donation to help improve officer safety on the highway," Huron police Chief Bob Lippert said. Huron Mayor Sam Artino is a member of the Eagles Club and said they were happy to give officers the donation. "Safety is the No. 1 priority for our officers and our community so this means a lot," Artino said.