TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE — State Senator Rob Rolison (R, Poughkeepsie_ joined staff from the Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse at Arlington Fire District Headquarters on Friday for the annual Pinwheel display, marking Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The Pinwheel display, a national symbol for child abuse prevention, was moved this year from the CPCA offices on Van Wagner Road to the fire department’s more visible location at Route 44 and Burnett Boulevard.
Firefighters from the Arlington, Fairview, LaGrange and Poughkeepsie departments attended the event.
Rolison, Dutchess County Youth Services Commissioner Sabrina Jaar Marzouka, and CPCA Executive Director Jess Ferrantino spoke about the ongoing need for child abuse awareness. Ferrantino said that in 2025, the CPCA Personal Safety Program reached more than 16,000 students from pre-K to grade 12, and the Community Education Program trained more than 2,600 community members in child abuse prevention.
The CPCA Child Advocacy Center served more than 400 children and families through crisis intervention services last year.
Rolison, a longtime supporter of the Dutchess CPCA, thanked advocates, educators, law enforcement professionals and community partners for their dedication to protecting children and supporting families. “Their dedication makes a meaningful, lasting impact,” he said.
He added, “During Child Abuse Prevention Month, we’re reminded that every child deserves to grow up in a safe, stable and nurturing environment. As a former police officer and ranking member of the Children and Families and Crime Victims, Crime and Correction committees, I’ve seen firsthand both the devastating effects of abuse and the critical importance of prevention. We remain committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow up safe, supported and cared for.”
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