A tradition that started in 1926 continued on May 18^th as the Citizens of Saint Paul honored the 3,000 students who serve on the Saint Paul School Police Patrol with the Annual School Patrol Parade and Picnic.  This event honored the fifth and sixth grade students from 78 public, nonpublic, and charter schools who assisted their fellow students in safely traveling to and from school during the school year.

The School Police paraded from the assembly area at Fourth and Sibley Streets to Fifth and Washington Streets accompanied by marching bands from Saint Paul junior and senior high schools.  Saint Paul Fire Chief Douglas Houlton was represented by Deputy Fire Chief Anthony Carter as Grand Marshall and retiring Chief of Police William Finney, himself a veteran of the Saint Paul School Police Patrol, was

Chief William Finney is presented with a plaque by School Patrol Officer Charles Ly for his support for the Saint Paul School Police Patrol Program

Guest of Honor.

Following the parade the school patrol members were transported to Como Park where they enjoyed a picnic of hot dogs, pop, ice cream, and events.  The Winter Carnival Vulcans and members of the Royal Family attended the picnic.  Other highlights included fire and police equipment, units from the Saint Paul Police horse patrol, and on of the State Patrol helicopters.

A ceremony was held honoring Chief Finney who was presented a plaque in appreciation of his support for the Saint Paul School Patrol both as Chief of Police and as a former member of the Saint Paul Board of Education.

Following the picnic a drawing was held for prizes including bicycles and personal CD players.  The picnic was presented by staff from the Saint Paul Public Schools and Saint Paul Police Department along with volunteers the Saint Paul Jaycees and the 3M Retirees Club.