Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department, in conjunction with Safe Kids, and with the assistance of Murfreesboro Police Department, Rutherford County EMS, and Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, will host a Child Safety Seat Inspection Station at Rutherford County S.O.R.T. office (585 Fortress Boulevard) on Wednesday, March 5 from 3:00-5:00 pm.
The inspection station is the final requirement for a 3-day course to certify nine MFRD personnel, along with personnel from MPD, RCEMS, and RCSO, as Child Safety Seat Technicians.
Statistics show that approximately 90 percent of vehicles that come through the inspection stations have car seats that are installed incorrectly.
“Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department wants to try our best to contribute to a change in that statistic,” said Fire Chief Cumbey Gaines. “Let our Child Safety Seat Technicians make sure your child’s seat is properly installed.”
IN THE NEWS
A recent news story illustrates the importance of having your child secured properly in their car seat. Josh Carney of Shelbyville and his two-year-old son Mason were involved in a motor vehicle accident on Monday, February 24 near Christiana Middle School. Their vehicle was rear-ended by a pickup truck. Mason’s seat belt was severed by a piece of metal, and he was ejected from the car in his car seat.
Carney credits the car seat for saving his child’s life. He told a local news station, “Half of the car was missing, so I looked at the back seat and I couldn’t find my son. He wasn’t in the vehicle. He was still in his car seat strapped in just like I left him. I could not believe it.” He continued, “We’re blessed that we were responsible enough to tighten those restraining belts.”
Carney and his wife Amy both encourage all parents to double check their child’s car seat to make sure they are properly installed.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
If you are unable to make it to Wednesday’s Child Safety Seat Inspection Station, there are other opportunities to check your child’s car seat. Contact MFRD’s Administration Office at 615-893-1422 Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm for more information.