Police give accident victim a new bike BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer ABERDEEN - In a display of kindness and an attempt to raise awareness, the Aberdeen PBA 163, in conjunction with the Police Department, donated a new bike and helmet to a boy struck by a car four weeks ago. On Oct. 3, 10-year-old Dylan Filingeri was struck by a car while riding his bike in the Cliffwood section of Aberdeen. Dylan was treated for serious head injuries and was released shortly after. The PBA is using this opportunity to highlight the importance of being safe while driving, biking and walking around town. They have put up a series of billboards throughout the township to hammer the point home with residents. One such billboard, put up in September, was meant to remind people that children will be traveling back and forth to school and read "It's better to be late than sorry." Arlynn Smith, Dylan's mother, said that she was grateful for what the PBA has done for her son and that she hopes it will help other children be more careful. "It is to make something good out of something bad," Smith said. "Hopefully other kids in the community will be influenced by him." Smith said that Dylan's recovery has been remarkable, stating that doctors were not sure how much long-term damage he may have sustained from his head injury. She said that it was like he woke up one day and was fine. Dylan's school friends, and even the principal of his Old Bridge middle school, sent letters and get-well cards to him in the hospital. With the addition of what the PBA has done, she said it was far more than she could have expected back in Staten Island, N.Y., from where they moved last year. She hopes that this safety campaign will show parents what the Aberdeen police are doing for their children. "Parents are aware that the Aberdeen police have become proactive with safety," Smith said. "Parents are glad that the police have become proactive." Chief John Powers said that in addition to the billboards, the Aberdeen police have partnered with the local McDonald's to provide gift certificates to children the police see wearing their helmets while riding. "It's an incentive to wear helmets," Powers said. "This is a thank you from us and McDonald's to keep kids safe." Bill Carr, the owner of the McDonald's in Aberdeen, said the business is happy to get involved in the community's safety. "It is important for kids to ride safely," Carr said. "It is a good thing for us to jump in on the helmet issue." Mike Plant, president of PBA 163, said that this campaign is a positive effort by the Aberdeen police. "Some good will come from kids seeing if you have your helmet on," Plant said. Chief Powers said that while the investigation into the Oct. 3 accident is still ongoing, no charges have been filed at this time. Plant said that if there are Aberdeen children who cannot afford to purchase a bike helmet, the PBA will provide one for them at no cost. Those interested in receiving a free helmet can contact the PBA at (732) 970-3411. When asked if he liked his new bike, Dylan shyly answered, "Yeah."