By Stephen Dawkins | Assistant Managing Editor

An important part of the elementary curriculum at Thorsby School is distinguishing the good guys from the bad guys.

TES students spent some time getting to know the good guys Thursday at Safety Day.

The event featured 480 kindergarten through sixth grade students learning more about firefighters, police officers and other emergency and public service figures.

“A lot of kids are scared of policemen,” said faculty member Angie Barnett, who organized Safety Day. “We have to tell them it’s OK, they’re the good guys.”

The day is timed to coincide with the school’s annual SKIP Program, which teaches elementary students the nationally renowned “Think First and Stay Safe” curriculum for a full week each May.

Barnett said she would like to see SKIP become part of the curriculum at each Chilton County school.

At Safety Day, students went through several different stations, including ones hosted by the Chilton County Sheriff’s Department, Thorsby Fire Department and State Troopers. The Alabama Emergency Management Agency’s Incident Support Unit was on display, and a Williams Transco provided information about the difference between 911 and 811 and the “Call Before You Dig” program.