It was a very exciting Fall, 2017 when I was invited to six Clifton Public Elementary Schools to do presentations as well as read my new Children’s Book “Officer Tony Says Be Careful” The schools involved were Clifton Public School #4, Clifton School #5, Clifton School #11 Clifton School #12, Clifton School #12 Annex and Clifton Public School #15.
The children were so engaged in the subjects of safety. Among the top issues discussed within the book are Swimming Safety, as “Officer Tony” reminds us to Never Swim Alone as well as being careful walking on the sidewalk as cars do frequently veer off of the road for numerous reasons. The reason discussed in the book is “distracted driving” and the driver is illustrated as texting while driving. There are two pages dedicated to Fire Safety. With the aging infrastructure of the inner cities in the area, it seems that fires take so many lives lately. I hope this makes a difference in even one life!
I’d like to extend a huge “Thank You” to the Media Specialist Denise Bemke as well as the Administration and Principals of the Clifton Grammar Schools for inviting me to their beautiful schools.
Pictured are Donna Fantacone with Clifton Media Specialist Denise Bemke.
Born and raised in Belleville, NJ, Donna Fantacone moved and currently lives in Clifton for over 25 years. She worked full time at a Fortune 50 company for over 20 years while going to school part time to obtain her English Degree from William Paterson University, while raising her son. Donna has always been involved in Safety. She was a Lifeguard in her early college days and has always been a first responder and a Corporate Safety Health and Environment Officer. Her function was to be an emergency first responder while also identifying safety options for a campus of over four thousand people. Her main interests in college were English and Elementary Education. She was also a Cub Scout Leader while raising her son who became an Eagle Scout. Donna is Red Cross Certified in CPR, AED, and First Aid and Children’s First Aid. She’s also a Rutgers Certified Master Gardener, and part time volunteer educator for City Green, Clifton, NJ. Donna aspires to educate our youth in basic safety principles. She is the daughter of a retired police officer, Anthony Fantacone. Officer Fantacone was always a good Samaritan. Anytime the need arose and often times while out of uniform, Anthony Fantacone stopped to help anyone who was in need. She explains “Many times we were the first ones on the scene of accidents on the Garden State Parkway.” My father would never pass up anyone in need of help, just as any good Samaritan would do.” Anthony holds many letters of commendation, including "Citizen of the Year" for heroic actions while police officer, detective, and PBA President of Belleville, NJ. Donna dedicates this book to her father, Anthony Fantacone.