students get summer reminder

(06/07/10) -- In Saginaw, some students are getting a final lesson in staying safe over the summer months. It's a lesson that really hits home for youngsters who are still dealing with the loss of a classmate.

Parishioners on Patrol stopped by Heavenrich Elementary School in Saginaw today. For students there, a school year that began with violence is ending with hope.

Parishioners on Patrol want these Heavenrich Elementary students to tell a parent or grownup when they see something wrong -- a situation many of them know all too well.

"They know the reality of losing a classmate, Devin Elliott," Larry Selby said.

Last September, fourth grader Devin Elliott was murdered in a house while he was sleeping.
"Devon was a very active student here, so everybody knew him and everybody loved him," Principal Carol Selby said.

Now the school year ends with no arrests in that case, and students like Diamonay Bodiford worry about their safety, especially at night. "It's quiet, but at night people be shooting of all to the sides of my house. And my sister, she is scared because she has a baby, and he is upstairs sleeping."

"I worry somewhat because my little brother hates guns and stuff, so he gets scared a lot," student James Jackson admitted.

To stay safe, Pastor Larry Camel tells these fourth and fifth graders to stay away from trouble.

"Don't take risks. Don't be around people that are not doing the right thing, turn and go the other way. Don't run to a fight, run away from it. We want to make sure these kids come back to school next year."

There seems to be progress in the fight against violence. There have been two murders in the Saginaw area this year, well below 2009 levels.

One reason for the decrease, according to Camel, is Parishioners on Patrol. "We are touching a lot of lives in this community with this message of bringing peace to the streets."

Police are still working on the killings of Devin Elliott and Barnell Armos. If you have any information, call Saginaw police at 989-759-1229.

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