(GREENLAWN, NY) The Firemen's Association of the State of New York

(GREENLAWN, NY) The Firemen's Association of the State of New York
(FASNY) and the New York State Freemasons joined forces once again in
Greenlawn to bring the Child Identification Program, also known as
CHIP, to local families during the final weekend in August. At the Greenlawn
Firefighters Fair, children had the opportunity to go through a
step-by-step identification procedure, where a total of 10 child ID
stations were set up. More than 200 children took part in the program
over a four-day period.

The Child Identification Program is a quick way to attain vital
information about children that could be used during an Amber Alert.
Children and parents in Greenlawn filled out a questionnaire, and
information was then entered into a computer. Features such as
electronic fingerprinting took place at each station.

CHIP provides parents with a CD containing the child's photo,fingerprints and other information, along with a printable photo ID card. Parents could then provide this CD to law enforcement officials if their child were to go missing. This CD is a crucial tool during an investigation or as part of a recovery effort, and is provided to parents at no cost. Parents can retain their child's information for their own records. All records and information collected by FASNY are then deleted for the child's safety and confidentiality.

In 2007, FASNY and the New York State Freemasons developed a team approach to implementing the CHIP program statewide. FASNY and the NY Masons believe CHIP is a vital community service that aids in the safe recovery of lost or missing children, or older adults.

For more information on the CHIP program and other scheduled events in NY, visit www.fasnychip.org