COLD LAKE - Over 300 positive tickets were given out in Cold Lake for July and August by Cold Lake RCMP, Cold Lake Bylaw officers, and 4 Wing Military police.
David Zimmerman from Cold Lake Victim Services, presented awards to youth on Sept. 9. On hand to accept their awards were first place winner, four-year-old Eowyn Malysheff-Brown, who won an X-Box gaming system, and third place winner Zack McFarlane, 10, who received a $250 gift card from Sport Chek. The second place winner was not able to attend Saturday's celebration.
The three top winners had all received positive tickets for wearing helmets while on their bikes during the summer months, although other positive tickets were also handed out for things like wearing life jackets and helping others cross the road safely, for example.
One youth who was in attendance for the awards ceremony, shared the story behind his positive ticket. Although Jacob McFarlane, 12, didn't win a grand prize, he said he was glad he was wearing his helmet when he was biking because he lost control of his bike when going through what he thought was a little bit of water.
Jacob recalled how he skidded, lost control, and fell off his bike. "My helmet was cracked down the middle."
His dad, who was riding without a helmet at the time and was biking with his son when the incident happened, went out and bought a helmet for himself after the accident also.
This was the fourth annual positive ticket program for the Cold Lake area, and although the numbers were a bit lower than previous years, Zimmerman extended his thanks to everyone who has been helping keep the community safe.
"I am very appreciative," he concluded.
Coupons from local businesses were also handed out during the summer program as an extra incentive for kids to make smart choices.
