Chaffee County Sheriff John Spezze recently partnered with the National Child Safety Council in a community fund drive so child safety items could be purchased to help educate local youth on safety.

Over the past several months the National child Safety Council contacted Salida’s local businesses throughout the county soliciting for donations on behalf of the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Spezze stated the council told him it was one of the best turnouts they’d ever seen.

The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office received $4,600 in donations through the partnership. With the exception of mailing costs, 94 percent of the funds collected are returned to the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office. The money will be spent on education items related to child safety such as reminder stickers, pamphlets and other items that can be distributed to kids by sheriff personnel at local schools, events and even on daily patrols.

The endeavor is aimed at child safety and improving the relationship between members of the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Offic e and local youth. Child safety is a top priority of the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office as is a strong relationship with our youth.

Sheriff Spezze wants to personally thank all the County’s merchants and businesses for their generous donations. Sheriff Spezze stated the amount of funds far surpassed his expectation when joining this partnership. This type of generosity clearly demonstrates the excellent relationship shared between the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office and our community.