Otisville Elementary School Resource Officer (SRO) Sean Burke, from the Mount Hope Police Department, along with SRO colleague Jamie Johnson, are continuing their annual conversations with all K-5 students on Halloween safety.

During a recent session with first-graders, Officer Burke reminded them of important tips as Halloween approaches, including the proper way to wear a costume, importance of staying with adults, having an adult check all candy before eating, what to do when arriving at a house, and more.

Officer Burke quizzed students during his presentation to make sure they understood what they need to know, stressing this will allow them to have a fun evening with family and friends.

Students were quick to offer their own suggestions about Halloween safety and candy, with one student reminding him and the class that sometimes it’s necessary to hide parent-approved candy from others who may looking for a favorite to pilfer.

“Don’t put your candy in the oven,” she said. “If your mother turns it on, you will have lost everything.”

Later, Office Burke said the important takeaway lessons for them were adherence to safety and behavioral expectations.

“Halloween can be dangerous if they’re not careful,” he said. “My kids went to Otisville. They (Otisville students) are all our neighbors. I want them to know how to protect themselves.”

And, what will Officer Burke be for Halloween, some may wonder?

“I’m going to go as Brad Pitt,” he said. “And I don’t have to do much to do that.”