Sheriff Steve Levorchick has announced a new program that has been designed to help keep Ottawa County children safe. The Law Enforcement Awareness Program (L.E.A.P) will now provide Child Safety Fingerprint ID Cards free of charge at special events taking place around the county, including the Ottawa County Fair, safety fairs and other local gatherings.

The valuable cards can also be obtained by calling the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office to schedule in advance the issuance of cards to large groups of youngsters accompanied by parents or guardians. These special ID cards can be kept conveniently on your person, in your wallet, or in your purse.

In the event of a missing persons incident, these identification cards can provide first responders with immediately available information pertaining to a child, along with a picture and thumbprint. This could significantly reduce the response time and increase the likelihood a loved one will be returned home.

Contact Detective Joe Leroux (419-734-6843) regarding questions or for more information. To schedule a large group to be issued the Child Safety Fingerprint ID Cards, contact Deputy Heather Moss (419-734-6823).