PARK RIDGE, N.J. — More than a half-century after Park Ridge began teaching young people how to handle the responsibilities, and occasional emergencies, that come with babysitting, a new generation has earned its cards.
Approximately 65 young residents took part in the annual Peter J. Harkin Babysitters Program, hosted by the Park Ridge Fire Prevention Bureau Sept. 29 and 30.
The two-day program, open to children ages 10 and older, covered babysitting safety, fire prevention, first aid and emergency preparedness through presentations, videos, demonstrations and question-and-answer sessions.
Participants also got hands-on experience, operating a fire extinguisher under the instruction of Fire Marshal John Hansen.
Councilman and Police Commissioner Robert Metzdorf attended the program and helped distribute babysitting certification cards to participants who completed the course.
Mayor Keith Misciagna credited Capt. Brad Moser, Hansen, Police Capt. and Deputy Fire Chief Pete Mauro, Dr. Sarah Lupu of Chestnut Ridge Pediatrics, and Yale and Ryan Glazer of the Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps for helping make the program possible.
The program has been a Park Ridge tradition since 1974, according to Misciagna — long enough that some former participants are now signing up their own children.
The mayor said it was “wonderful to see another generation of young residents participate,” and thanked the Fire Prevention Bureau and presenters for continuing a program designed to prepare youngsters to be safe and responsible babysitters.
— Via Tammy Levinson