Vermilion Safety Town registration now open

Editor's note: Joseph Jones is a Register correspondent representing vermiliondaily.com. VERMILION — Registration is now open for this year's Vermilion Safety Town program, giving young children a chance to learn important safety lessons before the busy summer riding season. The two-week program will run June 15-26 and is designed to help children learn how to stay safe while walking, biking, riding in vehicles and navigating everyday situations in their community. The morning session, scheduled from 9:30-11:30 a.m., is nearly full and currently has a waitlist. The afternoon session, scheduled from 1-3 p.m., still has openings available. The cost is $25 and includes a shirt, helmet and backpack. Registration forms are available at the Vermilion Police Department, Vermilion preschools and on the Vermilion police's website under "youth programs." Program open to more than Vermilion families The program is open to more than just Vermilion residents. Children may still register if they live in another city, missed Safety Town last year are not entering kindergarten but have completed one year of preschool or are unable to attend the full two weeks. Safety Town includes lessons on bike safety, seatbelt safety, crossing streets, railroad safety, fire safety, water safety, school bus safety, safe touch awareness and other age-appropriate safety topics. Organizers also plan hands-on activities and visits from local safety partners throughout the program. This year's program will also use a new gym-sized safety mat designed around a city street layout. The mat, which costs about $8,000, allows more of the program to be held indoors while giving children a hands-on way to practice safety lessons in a controlled setting. The money came from local businesses and private donations. A community-funded program Vermilion Safety Town is directed by Kate Lulovics with Officer Ron Linkous serving as the resident officer. Linkous is also the new school resource officer. The program relies solely on community donations. Donations may be made by mailing or dropping off checks at the Vermilion Police Department. Checks should be made payable to Vermilion Safety Town. A PayPal option has also been created for those who prefer to donate electronically. Lulovics said community support is especially important after the purchase of the new safety mat, which she said "really put a dent" in the program's account. This year marks the 52nd year of Safety Town in Vermilion. Lulovics took over as director in 2019, though the 2020 program was canceled due to COVID. From 2004 to 2018, the program was run by Chrystal Deverick, the former chief's administrative assistant who retired in January 2026. From 1988 to 2003, it was run by Jamie Leasure, a full-time dispatcher at the police department. Before 1988, community mothers ran the program with help from Vermilion Explorer's Post. A timely focus on bike, helmet safety The timing of this year's Safety Town program comes as bicycles, scooters and e-bikes become more common in neighborhoods and on local roadways. While no safety program can prevent every accident, organizers hope early education can help children build habits that reduce risk. Helmet use, street-crossing awareness and understanding how to behave around vehicles are among the basic lessons children can carry with them beyond the program. Questions about registration may be directed to Lulovics at klulovics@cityofvermilionohio.gov "Preparing children to recognize and respond to everyday situations is one of the most important things we can do as a community," Lulovics said. "I'm proud to run a program that makes safety engaging, memorable and impactful."