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Erin Runnion, Founder of the Joyful Child Foundation Honored by the California Attorney General for bringing RadKIDS Safety Education Program to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

Erin Runnion, Founder of the Joyful Child Foundation Honored by the California Attorney General for bringing RadKIDS Safety Education Program to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

(Photo attached)

In December 2009, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department assumed responsibility for providing law enforcement services to the 177 Los Angeles County Parks. The newly created Parks Bureau became the catalyst for building a valuable partnership to improve safety in the parks. In an effort to make the parks safer for children, Captain Stephen Smith, Parks Bureau Commander contacted Erin Runnion regarding the RadKIDS (Resist Aggression Defensibly) program. The program teaches children how to stay safe in several different situations.

Erin agreed to assist in securing donations to help with the start-up of RadKIDS in the parks and to liaison with the RadKIDS company to help Parks Bureau deputies become instructors.

With Erin's help, Parks Bureau has completed 46 RadKIDS classes with over 604 children and their parents. Erin has also volunteered countless hours assisting deputies with the classes.

For Erin Runnion's actions, she was awarded the Attorney General's Citizens Certificate of Commendation by California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris.

Sheriff Lee Baca recoginized Erin for her accomplishments and the roll Parks Bureau played in this process.

The purpose of the ongoing Attorney General's Awards Program is to extend official recognition to citizens and peace officers who perform heroic acts or meritorious service in support of law enforcement or crime prevention. It is intended to provide public awareness of the positive efforts and actions of local and state law enforcement officers and citizens as they endeavor to protect and serve the community.

The Joyful Child Foundation is dedicated to preventing crimes against children through programs that educate, empower and unite families and communities. For more information about this foundation please click on the attached link. http://www.thejoyfulchild.org/

The RadKIDS Personal Empowerment Safety Education Program is a 10-hour family centered safety education program that emphasizes essential decision-making skills as well as physical resistance options to escape violence. Children from 5-12 years of age participate in the program with their adult partners to create a true safety partnership..

The Parks Bureau of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department polices 177 county parks, golf courses and special event venues throughout Los Angeles County.

Providing Public Safety for Parks

Printable PDF version of News Release

Erin Runnion

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