This Coastal Connection is sponsored by Baths by Spicer Bros.
FENWICK ISLAND, Del. - The Fenwick Island Police Department is taking a creative and comical approach to traffic safety this summer, wearing costumes to remind drivers and pedestrians about the importance of crosswalk awareness.
To get the message across, Police Chief Michael Morrissey suited up in a chicken costume and walked across Coastal Highway, hoping to turn heads and turn on awareness.
“We at the Fenwick Island Police Department are serious about crosswalk safety,” Morrissey said. “We’re kind of trying to use a little humor to get the message across — don’t play chicken in the crosswalk, either as the driver of a vehicle or a pedestrian crossing.”
The stunt was part of the department’s ongoing efforts to protect residents and visitors alike, especially as foot traffic increases during the busy summer season. Morrissey said the town typically sees double or triple the number of people crossing the highway during peak months.
Morrissey was joined by another well-known public safety figure — Chase, the popular police pup from the children’s show Paw Patrol.
To further drive home the message, Morrissey was joined by another well-known public safety figure, Chase, the popular police pup from the children’s show Paw Patrol. The duo crossed the street together in a light-hearted effort to get drivers to slow down and stop for pedestrians.
The duo crossed the street together in a light-hearted effort to get drivers to slow down and stop for pedestrians.
And the costume campaign isn’t stopping with Chase and the chicken.
According to Morrissey, the Fenwick Island Police Department plans to suit up again soon — this time as the Grinch and Santa Claus — for a special “Christmas in July” safety push.
Whether it’s on patrol, watching the beach, or walking around in costume, officers say their goal is the same: to keep everyone safe in Fenwick Island.