ROCKLAND — The Rockland Police will be running “Operation Brain Freeze” to promote compliance with helmet laws in an attempt to prevent traumatic brain injuries. 

While on patrol, if an officer observes a child riding a bicycle, skateboard, roller blades, or scooter while correctly wearing a safety helmet, the officer will approach them and talk to the kids as they stress the importance of them wearing their helmets. As an incentive the children will then be provided with a voucher to one of the local businesses that entitle them to one free kid size ice cream.

For safety reasons only officers in uniform and driving marked police cars or bike patrol will be participating, according to Rockland Police Chief Chris Young, in a news release.

If a child needs assistance obtaining a helmet, Aurora Masonic Lodge has agreed to donate helmets for those in need of one.

§2323: Bicyclist and roller skier helmet use; passenger seat use Use of helmet. A person under 16 years of age who is an operator or a passenger on a bicycle or an operator of roller skis on a public roadway or a public bikeway shall wear a helmet of good fit, positioned properly and fastened securely upon the head by helmet straps.

This program is in partnership with the Rockland Dairy Queen, Rockland McDonald’s, Rockland Burger King, and Aurora Masonic Lodge Rockland.

“A special thanks to Little Bee Impressions for designing the voucher and to Good Impressions for printing them,” said Chief Young.