Safeguarding Weston Together BSO Collaborative programs engage community

The City of Weston entrusts the Broward Sheriff's Office with the responsibility of safeguarding our community by delivering police and fire rescue services. To enhance these essential services, both adults and teenagers residing in Weston have the opportunity to participate in various volunteer programs. These dedicated volunteers can complement and support the efforts of law enforcement and fire rescue, fostering a stronger sense of community and collec tive safety.

Community Emergency Response Team

When faced with an emergency, Weston's Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) stands ready to respond. So far, BSO Fire Rescue has trained close to 100 residents in fundamental disaster response skills, including fire safety, light search and rescue, team coordination, and disaster medical operations.

BSO Explorers

The Broward Sheriff's Law Enforcement Explorer Program offers teenagers and young adults, aged 14 to 21, a chance to engage with law enforcement officers in a structured and disciplined environment. Through this program, Explorers get to learn and experience the essence of lawful citizenship as they actively participate alongside certified BSO deputies in continuous training and various community service projects.

▸ Scan the QR Code to learn how you can become involved with BSO Explorers

BSO Fire Rescue Cadets

The BSO Fire Rescue Cadets undergo a structured and disciplined course focused on teamwork and responsibility, where they are introduced to fire fighting and rescue techniques. The program includes comprehensive training in fire suppression, first aid, CPR, apparatus handling, emergency medical response, and hazardous materials mitigation, among other areas.

Citizen Observer Patrol (C.O.P.)

The Citizen Observer Patrol (C.O.P.) is a volunteer program, proudly sponsored by the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), designed to bolster neighborhood safety by involving residents actively. COP volunteers act as the vigilant eyes and ears of the community, collaborating with BSO to enhance policing efforts.

Should a catastrophe exceed the capacities of local responders, CERT members are equipped to apply the knowledge gained from classroom instruction and practical exercises to provide vital assistance to their families, neighbors, and the entire community.

▸ Scan the QR Code to learn how you can become involved with CERT

As part of the experience, Cadets can actively participate in the Ride-Along program, accompanying fire fighters and paramedics on real emergency calls, providing them with a firsthand understanding of the responsibilities of first responders. This enriching program is open to youths aged 14 to 21.

▸ Scan the QR Code to learn how you can become involved with the BSO Fire-Rescue Explorers

They contribute to crime prevention by patrolling the area, keeping an eye out for suspicious activities and potential hazards, while also offering assistance to local residents. Alongside regular patrols, their responsibilities include checking unoccupied residences at the owner's request, attending to elderly or homebound residents as needed, and promptly reporting potential issues and neighborhood hazards to BSO.

COP volunteers are identifiable by their uniforms and specially marked vehicles, reinforcing the crime-fighting presence within the community. All volunteers receive professional training from members of the Broward Sheriff’s Office Countywide Operations, ensuring their preparedness and effectiveness in safeguarding the neighborhoods they serve.

▸ Scan the QR code to learn more about joining the Citizen Observer Patrol, or call the Weston District Broward Sheriff’s Office at 954-389-2010.

Back to school! It’s that time of year when we gear up our children to take on the rigors of academia and waking up before noon. But before we load up those backpacks, I wanted to share some information to help make this school year a healthy success. Elementary, middle, and high school students must often carry backpacks that weigh enough to cause chronic back pain, poor posture, and even decreased lung volume. Recent research supports that children carrying backpack loads of more than ten percent of their bodyweight have a greater risk of developing back pain and related issues.

There are several preventative measures that may help reduce and avoid back pain in schoolaged children. The best way to prevent back pain is to avoid carrying heavy loads. If this cannot be avoided, then taking advantage of locker breaks and only carrying items necessary for a couple of classes is very helpful. The American Occupational Therapy Association and the American Chiropractic Association offer these additional safe backpack etiquette tips:

• Avoid carrying over 10 percent of their bodyweight in their backpack.

• Place the heaviest objects at the back of the pack.

• Make sure the items fit as snugly as possible to minimize back pain due to shifting weight.

• Adjust the shoulder straps so they fit snugly over your child’s shoulders and the backpack doesn’t drag your child backward.

• Children should avoid carrying backpacks slung over one shoulder.

• Encourage your child to carry only necessary items in their backpack.

• Look for backpacks with helpful features such as multiple compartments for even weight distribution, padded straps to protect the shoulders and neck, and waist belt.

Chiropractic Care Can Help! If your child is experiencing back pain, contact Dr. Wong, your local chiropractor. Chiropractic care benefits many adults and children with spinal discomfort. Tailored treatment plans can be created specifically for your spinal health goals.