Safe kids Remembers Emilie Crown as Friend, Colleague and Passionate Safety Advocate for Kids

Losing a colleague, a friend, is tough. Emilie Crown was such an advocate, such a dedicated Child Passenger Safety instructor, such a passionate person. She ran her local Safe Kids Coalition Buckle Up program in Montgomery County, Md. with events several times a week. Her passing is a huge loss for her family, Safe Kids, the CPS community and all the technicians and parents who were the beneficiaries of her relentless and passionate efforts. She was our “go to” leader for everything from reviewing programs to organizing events to media outreach.

Emilie and her husband Monty - a dedicated CPST Instructor himself - made a dynamic duo! She ran the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue’s car seat program, checking seats regularly for more than 20 years. She served on the National Child Passenger Safety Board and was recognized numerous times for her work, including the 2016 National Safety Award from the Emergency Nurses Association.

I can write about her many accomplishments. I can write about how she was a mentor for so many technicians and instructors. I can write about her exceptional teaching skills and her deep caring.

But most important, I want to share a few of the Facebook posts that show just how much Emilie meant to so many.

“Emilie was my instructor in Oct 2016 & the reason I am certified today. I vow to carry on her legacy.”

“She was an amazing advocate for child safety. She will be missed!”

“She was an inspiration and champion for children for over 36 years.”

“Our child passenger safety world has lost one of the best. Emilie Crown left a legacy we all should aspire to leave to this world. To say she was a pioneer, dedicated and selfless, is an understatement.”

“She was a great mentor and I will be forever grateful for all she has taught me.”

“What an amazing legacy Emilie leaves behind.”

“There are no words that fully express the grief, the loss. Emily was more than an instructor and mentor - she was a friend . . . "

I was privileged to work side by side with her at events and teaching courses. I was privileged to learn from a truly caring, passionate person who gave her all to what she believed in: protecting kids. And I was privileged to call her my friend.

I miss my friend.