Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputy teaches children about Law Enforcement

Clarksville, TN – Deputy Joshua Gardner with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) took time on his day off to help children from the First Baptist First Learners Preschool feel comfortable around law enforcement.

Gardner started off with an introduction and explanation of how deputies can help children. Afterwards preschoolers received a hands-on experience with the patrol vehicle.

Students were allowed to climb in the driver seat, try on the deputy hat, and pretend to drive. Others lined up to take turns sitting in the back seat. The bars and missing door handles in the back fascinated the children.

Many of the students asked about the computer in the patrol vehicle. Deputy Gardner explained why it was there and how it worked.

When the students were done exploring the car, he directed them to stand behind the vehicle and turned on the lights. To the excitement of many.

Director of First Learners Preschool Tara Vinson noticed some of her students were frightened of patrol vehicles and law enforcement. Vinson approached Gardner about teaching a class to help the preschoolers feel comfortable around deputies and police officers.

“I believe in community policing and was happy to help out,” said Gardner. “The children were shy at first, but by the end, they knew we are here to help and be their friend.”

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