Child Car Seat Safety Check Program
Do you know that ….
- Motor vehicle crashes are one of the single greatest killers of Americans
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Nearly 1.35 million people are killed in car accidents each year. That means, on average, auto accidents cause 3,700 deaths per day.
Source: https://www.thewanderingrv.com/car-accident-statistics/
- Injury prevention is a process to reduce or decrease injuries or death due to injury
Nassau County Police Department offers a Free “educational” service that will teach you how to properly install your child passenger seat. This is an educational service, not an installation service.
We host one (1) evening training per month on a Thursday night. Appointments are required and are booked through Nassau County Traffic Safety at 516-571-9664.
Each appointment will take approximately 30 minutes (1/2 hour per car seat).
Please bring your vehicle, car seat, and the child to your scheduled appointment. If possible bring second adult to watch child while we show you how to install your seat.
Kim’s Story – The Importance of Proper Child Car Seat Installation
Kimberly A. Hassell was born on January 23, 1987. As a young adult, she explored different paths while attending St. John’s University and considering her future. During this time, her father, Doug Hassell — then a New York City firefighter and the founder of what would become Hassell Auto Body — encouraged her to take the civil service exam for the Nassau County Police Department.
Kim followed his advice, took the test, and passed. She went on to complete the Police Academy and began her career with the Nassau County Police Department. She quickly found her calling in law enforcement and took great pride in serving her community. Her dedication and professionalism made her family proud and earned her the respect of her colleagues.
On August 7, 1988, Officer Hassell was assigned to the 8th Precinct in Levittown, where she served as part of Radio Motor Patrol 801. She approached her work with enthusiasm, compassion, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Kim had a special concern for the safety and well-being of children and young adults. Around the time she was expecting her son, Randy, she became especially aware of how critical proper child car seat installation is to preventing serious injury and saving lives. She recognized that many parents and caregivers were unsure how to install seats correctly and that even small mistakes could have serious consequences.
Motivated by this awareness, Kim began sharing her ideas and working with fellow members of the department and community to promote child passenger safety. She encouraged education, hands-on assistance, and outreach to help families better protect their children while traveling.
Along with others who shared her commitment — including Arnie Katz, an NCPD police medic, and Susan Katz and Debora Riccardi, civilians in the medical field and P.O. Ken Murray — she helped lay the groundwork for efforts that would continue long after her passing. These early initiatives grew into ongoing Child Passenger Safety Seat Check programs held throughout Nassau County, providing families with guidance and support.
Tragically, Kimberly Hassell passed away on June 28, 1999. Though her life was cut short, her commitment to service and child safety left a lasting impact.
Today, Child Passenger Safety Seat Checks continue throughout the county in her memory. Each inspection and installation reflects Kim’s original vision — that every child deserves to travel safely, and every family deserves access to reliable information and support.
A Lasting Tribute
Kim’s dedication to protecting children continues through the work of those who carry her mission forward. Under the leadership of Detective Sergeant Daniel Johannessen, along with the police officers assigned to Community Affairs, POP Officers, and members of the Nassau County Police Department Explorers Program, certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians remain actively involved in educating families and ensuring proper seat installation.
Their continued commitment helps keep Kim’s vision alive — turning her concern for children’s safety into lasting action. Through every inspection, every training, and every family helped, her memory endures, serving as a reminder that one person’s compassion and dedication can make a lasting difference in the lives of many.
