Strong partnerships, in the name of child safety, are a proud achievement for Brown County Sheriff John Merchant(Play Audio 21 secs)

Seeing that all children are buckled up properly is the goal behind the Sheriff Department's Child Passenger Safety Seat Program, including inspections, and distribution of seats, at Merchant's office(Play Audio 18 secs)

However, Merchant says keeping the program running is a challenge, based on demand; and it's hoped that adding a low cost fee, and new guidelines for gaining a car seat, will help keep the program running(Play Audio 28 secs)

Putting the new guidelines in place was necessary, according to Merchant, based on past abuse found to be happening with utilization of the safety seat program(Play Audio 21 secs)

Merchant says there is no formal financial criteria, or guidelines that must be met; instead, he just wants to see those in need provided with the right tools to keep children safe(Play Audio 21 secs)

Along with Merchant, the Brown County Sheriff's Department has two other Certified Car Safety Seat Techs on staff, meaning a near 24-hour offering of the car safety seat services.  Merchant says anyone wanting to use the program simply needs to visit the Sheriff's office, in Hiawatha.