The Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition would like to congratulate 16 community members on becoming the newest car seat technicians in Monroe County. Without the hard work of volunteer technicians, the Coalition would not be able to offer this free car seat program, which has helped hundreds of children travel safely.

The Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition periodically hosts classes for community members to become certified car seat technicians. The 16 new technicians essentially doubles the number of volunteers available to assist families through the Coalition’s Keys to Kids’ Safety Program.

The newly trained technicians are:
Dennis Coleman—Monroe County Sheriff’s Office; Brooke Folendore—Wesley House Family Services; Alex Gaufillet—Key West Police Department; Charles Griffith—Key Colony Beach Police Department; Debrah Kalgren—Wesley House Family Services; Kristin Lavigne—Department of Children and Families; Randall Lebron—Islamorada Fire Rescue; Alison Morales—Florida Department of Health in Monroe County; Shannon O’Boy—Islamorada Fire Rescue; Erin Record—Wesley House Family Services; Natalie Reed; Chris Rhinhart—Key West Police Department; Glen Taylor-Islamorada Fire Rescue; Danny Valdez—Monroe County Sheriff’s Office; and Jesse Young—Key West Police Department. Parents should contact Leah Stockton, Program Coordinator, at 305-293-8424 for assistance from a technician in their area.

The 3 day certification class included classroom and hands-on training. Certification is valid for two years to install and inspect children’s car seats and provide community education on the importance of proper car seat use.

The Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition helps families before, during and after pregnancy. The Keys to Kids’ Safety Program holds periodic child safety events rotating between the Lower, Middle and Upper Keys as well as providing assistance to families on an individual basis. For more information on the certification training, car seat inspections, or any of our other free programs; please contact 305-293-8424 or [email protected].