Church Worker Safety

Church workers’ safety the focus of seminars By Donna Swicegood | Statesville R&L

The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office is planning two seminars aimed at church workers and volunteers.

The first workshop will be from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 9 and is called “Safety for church workers.” It is aimed at secretaries and other staff members who work at a church.

Lt. Rick Eades, crime prevention officer and Star Barbaro of the Governor’s Crime Commission will address topics such as basic personal safety and being aware of one’s surroundings.

He said the seminar will also focus on what to do if you are a victim of a crime.

The second workshop will be from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 27 and is for church greeters, such as ushers and deacons.

Eades will be the instructor, and the workshop will focus on various security issues and how to react in the event of a problem.

This workshop is especially for those who are the first person who parishioners see when they come to church.

Both workshops are free, but advanced registration is required.

Eades said a place to hold both workshops is not set, but anyone interested in attending will be given the complete details at the time of registration.

Each workshop is open to about 100 people.

To register for the church worker seminar, call Eades at (704) 924-4035 by Feb. 5, and the registration deadline for the second seminar is Feb. 18. Call Eades for more information on either seminar.