2009 has been a very long year for our nation, our state and our community. It is hard believe it is 2010. 
 
Much progress has been made by the Sheriff’s Office in making Bloomingdale and the surrounding areas of Hillsborough County a safer and more secure place to live, to work and to raise our families. Providing a safe and secure environment for the residents in our community and our County is why we are here. The continued support of concerned residents from our community has helped make this possible. The expansion of the Sheriff’s “Volunteer Citizens Patrol Program” has continued to help make even more improvements towards making Bloomingdale safer and more secure. 
 
Most of Bloomingdale’s residents work throughout Hillsborough County. Significant improvements have been made and will continue to be made in special areas such as patrolling and enforcing our traffic laws. The Sheriff’s special gang unit will continue to decrease gang activity in our area which will also decrease burglaries and drug activity.  
 

After ending 2009 with the tragic death of a two year old in Valrcio we would ask that everyone commit to providing even more protection for our children. From the youngest to our teens there is no such thing as being over protective. Most accidents are caused by split second decisions that prove to be wrong and most accidents only take a few seconds to happen. 
 
Following are some very important areas that we all need to focus on so can protect our children and keep them safe from harm: 
 
1. CAR SEATS – These save lives. Make sure they are properly installed and used every time a child is in your vehicles. 
 
2. PETS - Pets are great and make wonderful companions for our families and our children. There are, however, some pets that can be very dangerous. Careful thought and research must be given before putting the two together. Recent deaths and serious injuries to children caused by pets have occurred in our area. 
 
3. OUR HOMES – Our homes contain numerous dangers for our children, ranging from cleaning chemicals, medicines, choking hazards and even toys. Inspect your homes closely and secure or dispose of these hazards properly. Curious hands and eyes will find them! 
 
4. INTERNET AND CELL PHONES – Toady’s technology is great at providing help with homework and keeping in touch. But when it is used by predators to find and harm your children it can be a deadly tool. Use the Internet to find ways you can help protect your children when they use it.  
When phones are used to text or talk on while driving they can result in deadly accidents. The two must be kept separate. Driving in itself is a skill that requires the full attention of the driver, adults included, and especially when children are present. 
 
5. FIRE – Lives are lost each year when homes catch fire. Some of these are caused by children. Take the time to teach your children about fire safety. Have a fire safety plan and fire extinguishers on hand and know how to use them.  
 
6. MOTORIZED VEHICLES – Plain and simple these are “illegal” and very dangerous. Children should not be riding them even on sidewalks. For more information on these dangerous vehicles contact your Community Resource Deputy. 
 
We all hear these same safety tips and security steps over and over every year. The simple fact is that “they don’t work until you take action and do them!” 
 
Let’s make 2010 a safe and secure year. Take personal responsibility for your family, your home and your vehicles. No one will miss them more than you. Also, be a good neighbor and watch out for your neighbors. 
 
HAVE A SAFE AND SECURE NEW YEAR!