December 10th, 2013

The WRDSB Pumpkin Patrol Program officially completed their 19th year of patrol this past October 2013. This program was initiated 19 years ago by Facility Department staff who volunteer their personal time to patrol WRDSB sites during the Halloween evenings to protect our schools and facilities.

As vandalism was prevalent causing damage to schools and property, facility staff wanted to assist the Board by patrolling schools sites ensuring the safety of children and students in the community. When the program was first launched, volunteers would encounter many broken windows, egging, and graffiti causing huge cleanup costs and disruption of the morning start up for schools.

Over the years we have seen a dramatic decline in the incidents over the Halloween weekend. This year we are proud to announce there was no damage or cleanup during the four nights of Pumpkin Patrol. Patrolling school sites during the Halloween week has proven to be a successful deterrent for unwanted activity at our schools and within the community.

We have many volunteers from the Facility, Health, Safety and Security, Special Ed, Managers and Superintendents who have dedicated their personal time over the years – many thanks to all with special mention to Lou Paleczny Senior. (retired 2004) and still sits shot gun with WRDSB Plumber Bob Belec , both of whom have been Pumpkin Patrol volunteers since it began in 1994.

Categories: Schools