Ellsworth prepares for 2009 Pumpkin Patrol Published Oct. 29, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Jarad A. Denton 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- The 2009 Pumpkin Patrol is scheduled to take place at Ellsworth Oct. 31 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. The goal of the patrol is to provide a safe and secure environment for Ellsworth families interested in trick-or-treating on base. Halloween can be a dangerous time of year for children, said Senior Airman Stacey Gates, 28th Security Forces Squadron training instructor. They are more vulnerable to drunk drivers, predators and vehicle accidents. "The Pumpkin Patrol has been an annual event hosted by the 28th Security Forces Squadron since its inception in 1992 with zero reported mishaps," said Airman Gates. To continue its trend of zero mishaps, the patrol will be staffed by volunteers from the base population. Those volunteers will be assigned sectors where they will conduct either walking or vehicle patrols to ensure safety. All volunteers will be issued a radio, flashlight, reflective belt or vest and a safety light stick so they can be easily identified by trick-or-treaters. "Unlike traditional trick-or-treating, we have volunteers dedicated to specific streets in base housing," said Airman Gates. "Nationally, Halloween is statistically a very vulnerable night for children. The 28 SFS is determined to continually provide the highest level of safety and security for Ellsworth families so they are able to experience these annual festivities." "It's good to see Airmen volunteering to make Halloween a safe and enjoyable experience for the families on base," said Colonel Jeffrey Taliaferro, 28th Bomb Wing commander. "The pumpkin patrol has been a long-standing tradition on Ellsworth that we are very proud to continue." For additional information on the pumpkin patrol, contact Airman Gates at (605) 385-1250.