The New Haven Elementary School first grade teachers watched the excitement build in their students as the day for their field trip to a nearby fire house approached.

 And when they told their children a policeman in his patrol car would be on the road behind them to keep them safe, the excitement heightened.

Veteran officer Sam Gallego, now working as a school safety officer, pulled up in front of the school at 12:45 Wednesday afternoon to escort the first class of children down Austin Road to the nearby station.  The youngsters walked single file with their teachers in a well behaved manner.

With the lights flashing on the patrol car, the students entered the driveway of the fire station and were met by two firefighters who took them through their station and showed them where they receive the emergency 911 calls for help and they got to see the workings of the big, red engines.

Officers Gallego had cherished memories of working as a school safety officer with his long time friend Steve Harris who passed away from natural causes at his home last year.  Harris had been a long dedicated officer and enjoyed being with kids.

When the first class finished its tour, the officer followed them back to the gate at New Haven School getting out of his car in the intersection to better monitor traffic and brought the second group to the fire house. 

First grade teachers Kim Vivian and Beth Saldate and their assistants seemed to enjoy the field trip as much as their children.  Vivian said she has been at the school for 14 years, saying it had been a tradition long before that time.

The two part time school safety officers are also available for calls to support other officers in the field when needed.