Sheriff Martin Pace has carved pumpkins for various schools in Warren County for more than 20 years.

When Theresa McCain, a teacher’s assistant at Sherman Avenue Elementary School, asked Pace to find an engaging way to discuss Halloween safety with her class, the Pumpkin Carving Halloween Safety Program was born.

From that one class, Pace said the program has grown to six to eight classes and sometimes whole grade levels. Why does he carve the pumpkin while lecturing the classes on Halloween safety?

It’s a unique way to keep the class focused and engaged in the message, Pace said.

The sheriff discusses costume safety, how masks can be dangerous if they obscure a person’s field of vision and other general Halloween safety tips.