Officer Miracle highlights Safety City programs and upcoming DARE initiatives

The Lima City Council meeting on July 14, 2025, highlighted the impactful initiatives of Safety City, a program dedicated to educating children about safety and self-defense. Officer Eric Miracle presented an overview of the program, emphasizing its commitment to empowering children to recognize and respond to dangerous situations.

The Rad Kids program, which runs from September to December, teaches children in grades one through three how to identify potential threats and the importance of seeking help from trusted adults. Miracle shared a success story illustrating the program's effectiveness, where a child used the skills learned to avoid a dangerous situation involving a stranger.

Miracle also discussed the recent Safety City open house, which attracted 200 to 300 attendees and featured community engagement from local businesses. Notably, the classroom at Safety City was renamed the Bob Butler Training Center in honor of a long-serving DARE officer, recognizing his contributions to the community.

The meeting also covered the success of the DARE program, which aims to equip fourth and fifth graders with decision-making tools to navigate peer pressure and substance abuse. Miracle reported a record number of field trips this year, with 51 trips hosting 1,714 children, showcasing the program's growing reach and impact.

Council members expressed their appreciation for Miracle's dedication and the positive influence of Safety City on the community. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue expanding these educational initiatives, aiming to enhance safety awareness among local youth.