An innovative Kerry Garda who invented a novel way to keep people safe and not disturbed in their homes at Halloween, has won a special award for her efforts.
Patricia Fitzpatrick from the Tralee Policing Community Unit devised special Halloween door hangers which essentially were two-sided waterproof signs to hand on door handles.
A flashing green light invited children to knock on the door to seek Halloween treats while a flashing red light indicated that the occupants would prefer not to be disturbed.
Picture: Domnick Walsh
Garda Fitzpatrick’s creation won an award from Age Action Ireland – an organisation that cares for the elderly – and it was declared the overall winner of the safety and security national award.
A hugely active community activist, in September Garda Fitzpatrick was involved in the creation of new booklet to prepare, support and inform children with additional needs about the work of An Garda Síochána which was distributed in schools in Kerry.
In January 2024, she came with the concept of developing a visual guide booklet for primary school special classes and special schools.
This was aimed at helping to help build strong relationships between with An Garda Síochána.
To maximise the effectiveness of this initiative, the intention was to lay the foundations for these relationships at a young age through the support of the children’s school environment.
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