By Leslie Yager
“How do you guys know I’m a police man?” Chief Heavey asked the preschoolers at First Church Preschool at the First Congregational Church of Greenwich.
“Cuz your badge!” one boy shouted.
“And your hat,” shouted another little boy.
“And your gun,” said a little girl. “And you catch bad guys sometimes?” said one child in a manner of a question.
Greenwich Police Chief Heavey agreed that all responses were correct and went on to explain the purpose of the hat and uniform.
“If you’re in trouble. If you need help, you look for this uniform. You look for someone wearing their hat or has a badge. It says police on their uniform. If you’re ever unsure, just ask them for their ID card. And we’ll help you,” Heavey said.
“So don’t ever be afraid of the police. If you’re ever in trouble, just go over to the policeman and he’ll help you,” Heavey said.
But the children were curious and wanted more answers. “What did you do when your were little?” asked one young boy.
“I was in school just like you guys. I went to school in Greenwich for 12 years and then I went to college. And I was in the Army. That’s why I brought this book, Captain Cat, because it’s a little about the Army and wearing uniforms,” Heavey said.
Heavey went on to read and share his picture book, “Captain Cat,” and the preschoolers held onto every word.
Heavey’s visit was in honor of the annual celebration of The Week of the Young Child, which is sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world’s largest early childhood education association.
The celebration is an annual event created to focus on the needs of young children and their families and to recognized the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. This year, the Week of the Young Child is celebrated April 6 through April 12.
First Church Preschool at the First Congregational Church of Greenwich is located at 108 Sound Beach Ave in Old Greenwich.
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