IVVC Law Enforcement Students Bring Rail Safety Message to Over 450 Children
Indian Valley Vocational Center’s Law Enforcement students are turning classroom learning into
community action, sharing valuable rail safety information with over 450 children at
elementary schools in Plano, Yorkville, Sandwich, Lisbon, and Hinckley-Big Rock.
This year marked the program’s most successful year for presentations. Students led the effort
by contacting schools, coordinating visits, and sharing what they learned through Operation
Lifesaver training. Along the way, they gained practical experience in communication,
leadership, and service while delivering a safety message with a strong local connection.
On October 6 and 7, Aisha Jackson, executive director of Illinois Operation Lifesaver, certified
the students as Operation Lifesaver Authorized Volunteers (OLAVs). Students then reached out
to schools in their home districts to offer presentations for younger children.
“On behalf of Illinois Operation Lifesaver (IL OL) we are incredibly proud and grateful to the
students for stepping up as Operation Lifesaver Authorized Volunteers (OLAVs),” Jackson said.
“Their willingness to share lifesaving rail safety information with their peers and communities
reflects the heart of youth leadership and the difference young people can make.”
Railroad tracks run through many of the communities within IVVC’s 10 partner school districts,
making the outreach particularly relevant. By bringing safety education directly to local
classrooms, students are helping younger children understand the importance of staying safe
around railroad tracks.
A Purpose Rooted in Prevention
IVVC Law Enforcement instructor Jim Kerry started the initiative four years ago with two goals:
provide children with important rail safety information and help Law Enforcement students build
confidence in making community contacts and presenting to younger audiences.
The inspiration came in part from Kerry’s experience at the Hinckley Police Department before
he began teaching at IVVC. During his short time with the department, he witnessed many
children walking or playing on railroad tracks. Those experiences stayed with him and reinforced
his desire to help prevent unnecessary tragedies through education.
The initiative puts students at the center of that prevention effort. Rather than ending with a
certification, their training becomes the starting point for sharing information with others and
taking responsibility for a meaningful community project.
As Jackson explained, “Their dedication is helping raise awareness, prevent tragedies, and
create safer communities across Illinois.”
Students Taking the Lead
Students manage each step of the outreach process. They introduce themselves to school staff,
explain the purpose of their presentations, coordinate arrangements, and follow through on
commitments. Working in groups, they prepare to communicate clearly and adapt their message
to younger audiences.
Those responsibilities bring classroom expectations to life. Students practice professionalism,
teamwork, patience, and accountability while developing the confidence to speak in front of
others. They also experience an important side of public safety: building relationships and
educating the community before an emergency occurs.
Presenting within their home districts adds another layer of meaning. Students have an
opportunity to give back to the communities they come from while serving as positive role
models for younger children.
“I’m very proud of the work the students put in and their willingness to go out and spread the
word,” Kerry said.
Through the Operation Lifesaver initiative, IVVC’s Law Enforcement program connects career
preparation with meaningful community involvement. This year’s students demonstrated that
they do not have to wait until they enter a public safety career to make a difference. By taking
their training into local classrooms, they are already putting service into action.