Matt's Safe School Law: Prohibiting School Bullying

On November 9th, 2011, the Michigan House of Representatives revised the Senate's version of Matt's Safe School Law making Michigan the 48th state to pass legislation addressing "bullying". Over the past six years we've lost students around the country to cyber bullying, traditional bullying (physical, teasing, taunting) and what use to be an issue overlooked in some cases has now become extremely dangerous.

Matt's Law addressing bullying was introduced six years ago and Matt's Epling the father of Matt  made a commitment to not let his son's lose be forgotten and he worked with elected officials to get this law on the books for all of Michigan's students. This wasn't without many set backs and a Senate bill that was introduced last month that no one could support and Michigan was recognized as a state that supported bullying which was completely opposite of the intent of the legislation.

The Michigan House of Representatives revised the senate bill and sponsored substitute legislation that was  passed and signed into law by the Governor this week.

On September 30th, 2011, the Michigan Bullying Prevention Summit was held in East Lansing and was well attended. I spoke with Mr. Epling and there was a concern then about getting the legislation "right" to protect all children. As I've heard many say "it's not perfect, but it is a good start".

The Michigan schools have 60 days to implement the new law. You can find the details of H.B. # 4163 at the link below.

Legislative Analysis of H.B. # 4163- Matt's Safe School Law

A Tribute to a fallen Officer "Trevor Slot " of Walker Police Department

On Thursday October 13th, 2011, I was attending the CPAM annual conference when just before lunch Lt. Lee Hoeksema of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department announced that a bank robbery had occurred in their area and we had lost a Walker Police Officer.  You could hear a pin drop in the room. The members from the local agencies were shaken and visibility upset with the loss of an officer from their community.

Chief Catherine Garcia-Lindstrom, CPAM member and Chief of Police for the Walker Police Department and all the staff and community of Walker did an outstanding job through the entire tragic ordeal, and the celebration of life service was amazing. I was so honored to be there in support of Officer Trevor Parker's family and the Walker Police department family.

Our hearts and prayers will be with you all.