Warren Police Sergeant Jason Canario has been named one of the East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP)'s 2019 Vision Award winners, and was singled out for his dedication to students and families at EBCAP's Head Start program at the Mary V. Quirk School.

When Sgt. Canario moved into the role of Day Shift Patrol Supervisor last August, he identified the need for crossing safety for the Head Start students and parents at the Main Street school.

“It’s the second busiest street in Warren, particularly in the morning when people are on their way to work,” he said.

So twice a day — at the start of the school day and again at dismissal time — he pulls up and helps children and their parents safely cross the street.

“I’m hoping that my presence there will make drivers more aware that they’re passing a school with small children and that we’re keeping kids safe.

It's not all he does.

Earlier this school year, Head Start teachers invited Sgt. Canario and Patrolman Joel Morrissette to talk with students about what they do in the community, and how to increase street safety awareness. After the presentation, a Head Start staff member asked if he was aware of any resources that would donate youth bike helmets as the school. He left saying he’d do some research and get back to her.

“On patrol I often encountered young kids riding without helmets and I’d remind them that kids under age 16 are required by state law to wear a helmet,” he said.

Sgt. Canario came to the school a few days later with a box of new helmets for the tricycle riders on the playground. He had done the research, but when he was unable to identify a resource for donations, he bought the helmets himselfand donated them to Head Start.

“The students make him cards and pictures, and the parents talk highly of him," said Head Start teacher Chelsea Massed. “Jason is a positive role model for our young children. Some dream of being a police officer when they grow up!”

Unlike the children in Head Start, working in law enforcement wasn’t a lifelong dream of Sgt. Canario’s. After completing service in the United States Army, leaving with the rank of Staff Sergeant, he found himself in search of employment. When he heard the Warren force was looking for new officers, he applied, apply. This year marks his 20th year of service with the department. In addition to working as the Day Shift Patrol Supervisor, Canario is also in charge of training for the Department.

Although he admits working in law enforcement had not been a lifelong plan, Canario has made it a career. He said he enjoys being a police officer “because of the pace of the work — "no two days are alike; there’s always something new.”

He added that other than the time he was serving in the military, he lived in Warren his entire life. Of his interactions with the Head Start children and their parents, “it is, without a doubt, the best part of my day. I hope to be doing this for many more years to come," he said.

Sgt. Canario will receive his award on Thursday, June 13, at EBCAP's annual Seaside Gala at Castle Hill in Newport. Tickets can be purchased at www.ebcap.org or for more information, call Maggie Laurianno, Event Coordinator, at (401) 847-7821 ext. 339.