PAF Safety Day Coordinator Spotlight: Mike Lowe

Mike Lowe, division manager and senior instructor in Sussex County with the Delaware Fire School, was first introduced to the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® (PAF Safety Day) program through his local Safe Kids Coalition. Mike taught a safety station during PAF Safety Day hosted by the Safe Kids Coalition, and then began offering the Program in his community.

“We live in a town of only 4,000 residents,” said Mike. “The children that come through our program often have no previous exposure to agriculture.”

As part of his duties with the Delaware Fire School, Mike is mandated by the Delaware Code to provide fire safety to the citizens of Delaware. Fire safety is one of more than 30 topics available as part of the PAF Safety Day program. Having completed thirteen PAF Safety Days, Mike continues to provide a PAF Safety Day for the youth of his community annually because he believes that it gives the children new knowledge and skills that are hopefully shared with their family.

When asked why he continues to partner with the Progressive Agriculture Foundation (PAF) he said, “our agency works with many different organizations, but I can honestly say PAF is my favorite to work with.

“Questions are answered immediately, and the Program runs very efficiently. It is obvious to me that the Program is run by people who have a legitimate care for the children we reach.”

Recalling his past PAF Safety Days, Mike remembers when a child attending the Program was convinced that a goat on site for the animal safety station was a unicorn. He quickly realized that the child had never saw a goat before, and that it only reinforced how valuable the Program is.

“We should never take the information we present for granted,” said Mike.

Although he is nearing retirement, Mike says that if anyone is considering a PAF Safety Day, he would certainly offer his assistance.