Jane Dawkins
SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tenn. – With all the national discussion surrounding children and gun control, South Pittsburg leaders decided to create a yearlong program to spotlight children’s safety, education and general well-being.
City officials recently proclaimed 2013 “The Year of the Child.”
Mayor Jane Dawkins said the program will focus on children from infancy to high school graduation.
“While Washington argues gun issues and people across the land scratch their heads as to how such a tragedy [like the one at Sandy Hook Elementary School] could take 20 babies and six adults, we in our small town are going to lay the groundwork to educate and protect our children,” she said.
Dawkins said she wants young children to be able to identify the “good guys” who are “safe adults,” such as parents, teachers, counselors, ministers, police and firemen.