When a mother at the Iowa State Fair was briefly separated from her child on Tuesday, a quick response by a vendor and the fair’s police helped reunite them within minutes. The incident prompted Iowa State Fair Police to issue practical advice for families who navigate the bustling fairgrounds.
Know What an Officer Looks Like
Corporal Josh O’Dell of the Iowa State Fair Police emphasized that parents should talk with their children ahead of time about the appearance of a police officer. “We highly recommend that the parents talk to the kids about what does an officer look like, what is someone that can help them look like?” O’Dell said.
Carry a Current Photo
The department also advises families to keep a recent photograph of the child readily available. “We also tend to highly recommend, like a family photo or a photo of the child that gives us the most recent, most current picture of what the child looks like, what clothes they’re wearing and things like that,” O’Dell added.
Wristbands Provide Immediate Identification
To further aid in rapid reunions, wristbands bearing the child’s name, address, and a phone number are distributed at all information booths and the public safety building on the fairgrounds. These bands give officers and volunteers a quick way to verify a child’s identity.
Community Help Makes a Difference
In the recent case, a vendor owner overheard the mother’s call for help, called the police, and stayed on the line until officers arrived. The mother told KCCI, “I think it was the owner of a vendor. Overheard the situation, and he got on the phone. He had a phone number for the police department here, and he was already on it.”
Additional Resources for Fairgoers
Fair visitors can also watch live coverage of the Iowa State Fair on KCCI 8 News at 4:30 p.m. each weekday from the MidAmerican Energy Stage, or stream the coverage for free via the Very Local app.
By preparing ahead—knowing how to identify an officer, keeping a recent photo, and using wristbands—parents can help ensure that a momentary separation does not become a prolonged ordeal. The Iowa State Fair Police remain on hand throughout the event to assist families and keep the fair a safe, enjoyable experience for all.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
