Pumpkin Patrol Published Oct. 9, 2015 By Senior Airman Timothy S. Riley 92nd Security Forces Squadron FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Halloween is right around the corner. Fairchild's ghosts, goblins, princesses and cowboys will get to trick-or-treat in base housing areas from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. on October 31. Everyone knows Halloween is famous for the costumes and candy, but few people fully appreciate the dangers of this day. I am not referring to gorging ourselves on candy, tampered candy or even the 'stranger danger' threats. The danger is motor vehicles, which on average claim the lives of six young people a year on Halloween. The excessive pedestrian population on Halloween coupled with the combination of dark and inhibiting costumes all contribute to a doubled percentage of pedestrian deaths. More often than not, it is the teenagers who are killed in these vehicle collisions, followed closely by children ages 7-12. Losing any young life is a tragedy, and it is one that is all too preventable. To best protect all of our trick-or-treaters, please be mindful to cross at crosswalks, carry flashlights, wear reflective clothing or carry a reflective candy bag and avoid masks that limit vision during Halloween. While you are out and about, don't forget to visit the Commander's house as well as those on Circle Drive. If you are planning on visiting these houses, please use crosswalks manned by Security Forces Airmen located at Offutt and Castle, Eaker and Mitchell, Poplar and Mitchell, and Graham near the Hospital Loop. Jay-walking is illegal here on Fairchild and offenders risk being cited. To reduce the traffic inside the housing areas, we ask that personnel visiting from off base park in centralized locations near the housing areas. Fewer vehicles in the housing areas will keep our children safer. To enhance the safety of our trick-or-treaters, Airmen from the 92nd Security Forces Squadron will be out to enforce safety measures and will be soliciting volunteers for their annual Pumpkin Patrol safety initiative. With this program, volunteers become an additional set of eyes and ears for the Security Forces on base. To make these patrollers easily identifiable, they will be wearing reflective vests and be equipped with a radio and a flashlight. If you need assistance during this event, please contact a Security Forces member, a volunteer, or the law enforcement desk directly at (509) 247-5493. During this year's Halloween event, we are asking for volunteers to open up their homes as "warm houses" for our Pumpkin Patrollers. Having a place for them to warm up, grab a cup of hot cocoa and maybe a bowl of chili can really show our appreciation to those that spend their off-duty time in the elements to better serve Fairchild's populace. If you are interested in volunteering for Pumpkin Patrol or to offer your home as a warm house, contact Senior Airman Timothy Riley at Timothy.Riley.10@us.af.mil. We look forward to having a fun, safe and spooktacular Halloween.