April 3, 2002

The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office has received an Interactive 911 Simulator from local State Farm Insurance Agents.

The Sheriff's Office was chosen by Forsyth County State Farm agents to receive the simulator because of its commitment to safety education. The Office will use the 911 simulator in their partnerships with local schools and the Forsyth County Fire Department.

"We feel honored to be recognized by a nationwide insurance company such as State Farm. The addition of the simulator will greatly add to our public education program with children," stated Sheriff Ted Paxton. "Hearing a voice on the other end of the phone really gives children a chance to practice a skill that may one day save a life," he added.

Developed by an employee at State Farm's Frederick, Maryland, office, the 911 Simulator combines a telephone; computer and voice chip in a portable case. The unit teaches children, from preschool through third grade, how to react during an emergency situation by the "simulated" emergency operator.

Using a hand control, the instructor prompts the unit to ask important questions so the child can practice providing critical information to emergency operators. After successfully answering the questions, the unit praises the child, saying "Good job, you can hang up now."

Agents Ken Anderson, Bud Arnett, David Chamblee, Donnie Greene, Dave Hardin and Ricky Noles donated the Simulator as part of their ongoing involvement in the educating the general public, particularly children.

Involvement in education is nothing new at State Farm. The Company provides a host of instructional materials to educators and community groups developed in collaboration with various education associations. Written for a variety of audiences, these materials teach potentially life-saving as well as life-enhancing skills. All of the educational programs, which are free to the public, are available by contacting your local State Farm office.