Troy Police Department Sponsors 15th Annual Safety Orange Bowl

The following was submitted by the Troy Police Department.

The is proud to sponsor the 15th Annual Safety Orange Bowl at in Troy. This event recognizes the contributions that the members of school Safety Patrols and Service Squads make to our community. 

These volunteers provide a significant service by keeping our children safe as they come and go from school every day, no matter what the weather.  The Safety Orange Bowl not only seeks to thank these devoted kids on behalf of the Troy Police Department, school districts, and community, but also serves as an opportunity to build stronger bonds and pride among the kids who serve. 

This year the event will be held from April 30 - May 4. Thunderbird Lanes sets aside the entire establishment each morning to accommodate the event, and members from the Safety Patrols and Service Squads from all elementary schools in Troy are invited. 

Each school and/or Parent Teacher Organization contributes $5 per child to attend. This assists with costs for bus transportation, bowling, food, and prizes.  Local sponsors donate additional food and prizes to bolster the pool of gifts and treats given away. 

Members from the Troy Police Department, teachers and volunteer parents act as chaperones and help in serving food and organizing activities each day.  Each attendee receives a treat bag to take home. Since 1998, more than 12,000 kids have participated in the Safety Orange Bowl.

The Safety Orange Bowl traces its origins back several years when Officer Dan Clark initiated a program wherein orange backpacks were distributed throughout the community for school children to wear while walking to and from school. The orange backpacks were designed as a visual reminder to motorists to reinforce the need to be aware of our children and drive safely in and around subdivisions, school bus stops, and school crossings. 

He worked in conjunction with several neighborhood homeowners’ associations and Parent Teacher Organizations who were also concerned with reinforcing the need to drive safely in area subdivisions, especially during the traditional school start and dismissal times. Officer Clark initiated the Safety Orange Bowl in conjunction with the orange backpack program to thank and recognize the youth who dedicate their time every day to the safety of their fellow students.