School police officer teaching safety programs

WESTFALL — Mark Moglia, the new school police officer at the Delaware Valley School District, is conducting a Survival 101 program at the high school. Developed by PennDOT, Survival 101 is a dynamic, hard-hitting presentation that allows officers to draw from their personal experiences when relating to teenage crashes and fatalities. Program leaders who have “been there” can explain to students what it is like to respond to a serious crash and to inform loved ones of tragedy. Moglia, recently hired full-time at Delaware Valley, brings plenty of training and experience to his new role with 15 years in the Westfall Township Police Department, including the last six as department chief. He also has knows tragedy first-hand — he had to break the news to his family of the death of his 19-year-old niece in a car crash. “I’d like to see students involved and see the importance of the issues they face,” Moglia said. “I’ve seen how seat belts save lives; the effects of drinking and driving. If everyone gets involved, the end result is a safer environment.” Moglia also plans to get younger students involved in safety issues. Another program, called The Back Is Where It’s At, is aimed at elementary students and designed to educate children about the importance of proper seat belt use. More information on the educational programs is available on the Buckle Up PA Web site, www.buckleuppa.org . More safety information may be obtained by checking out www.neparoads.com PennDOT’s Northeastern Pennsylvania transportation Web site. For more safety tips, click on “Safety.”