There were high-fives and cheers all around as METRO Police teamed up with other local law enforcement agencies this morning to welcome students back to school. The children were reminded the entire community is working together to keep them safe. The event was hosted at Marshall Middle School by Safe Walk Home Northside. Today marks the fourth annual first-day-of-school event for HISD to promote a safer environment for students.

Police K-9 Sonny, a 3-year-old Labrador Retriever who recently joined the force, was a hit with students. METRO's Fare Inspectors joined other volunteers cheering as each child walked onto campus.

MPD provided colorful signs for the event reminding students while using the system to stay on sidewalks, always use crosswalks and never accept rides from strangers. Students were also reminded to report suspicious activity and were given law enforcement phone numbers.

Safe Walk Home was founded in honor of 11-year-old Josue Flores who was stabbed to death while walking home from school in May of 2016. Volunteers in the organization are trained to recognize unsafe situations and even provide first aid.