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Pumpkin Patrol ensures Halloween safety

  • Published
  • By Airman Whitney Amstutz
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Base housing is alight with festive decorations, the shelves of the Andersen Base Exchange are overflowing with a wealth of candy, and dentists everywhere are cringing. This can mean only one thing: Halloween is just around the corner.

As costumes and trick-or-treat baskets fly off the shelves, dedicated members of the 36th Security Forces Squadron work with volunteers in preparation for the annual Andersen Pumpkin Patrol Oct. 31 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in base housing.

"Volunteers are very important to make trick-or-treating a safe and successful event for the kids on Andersen Air Force Base," said Staff Sgt. Joshua St. Louis, 36th Security Forces Squadron police services. "If someone were to need help, the volunteers will have direct contact with the law enforcement desk."

Due to the growing number of trick-or-treaters, it is vital that the Pumpkin Patrol have a sufficient number of volunteers to ensure the safety of each child.

"The average number of trick-or-treaters on base can range anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500." Sergeant St. Louis said. "If in need of help, children should look for adults in uniform wearing a reflective belt or vest."

In order to support the Pumpkin Patrol cause, it is important to take precautions to guarantee a successful night of trick-or-treating.

"Children should avoid trick-or-treating alone," Sergeant St. Louis said. "Always walk in groups or with a trusted adult and take advantage of sidewalks and crosswalks. Never go into a stranger's house to receive candy; only accept candy in a well-lit area and when parents say it's alright."

In a few days the normally quiet streets of Andersen Air Force Base will be filled with ghosts, ghouls, knights and princesses. For many children, dressing up and trick-or-treating is the highlight of the year.

Team Andersen volunteers and the 36th SFS have made it their mission to safeguard our nation's youngest heroes. As the 31st draws nearer, it is vital that each child know what it takes to stay safe and keep Halloween happy.