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Medic Alert saves car seat program
car seat 1
The Turlock Police Department has individuals trained to install, diagnose deficiencies, and train parents in the proper use of child safety seats. - photo by Journal file photo

A car seat exchange program operated by the Turlock Police Department looked to be in its waning days until a donation from Medic Alert Foundation brought it back to life.

The TPD has routinely offered children’s car seats parents who were financially unable to purchase a safety seat. The program had been funded through grants in the past, but due to shrinking budgets, those grants have disappeared. 

“The Medic Alert Foundation recently hosted a safety fair that our Traffic Safety Car Seat Technicians attended,” said TPD spokesperson Officer Mayra Lewis. “During the fair, the Medic Alert Foundation heard about the dilemma and graciously agreed to donate 32 new, high quality safety seats of various types valued at over $1,900 to the Turlock Police Department. This is approximately the same number of seats that are replaced annually.”

The TPD has individuals trained to install, diagnose deficiencies, and train parents in the proper use of child safety seats.

“The car seat exchange program would’ve ended for the Turlock area had it not been for the Medic Alert Foundation. Thank you, Medic Alert Foundation for helping keep children in our community safe,” said Traffic Safety Unit Supervisor Sgt. Neil Cervenka.

A public reception to accept and acknowledge the donation is planned for 10 a.m. Tuesday at Turlock PSF, 244 N. Broadway.

To learn more about applying for the car seat exchange program contact the Traffic Safety Unit at 209-668-5550 ext. 6680.