What Is S.M.I.L.E.?

The Mission

S.M.I.L.E. stands for "Safety Messages In Life Education™" and used to stand for Safety Magic In Law Enforcement.  Our mission is to teach children about safety and violence prevention using the variety arts such as clowning, magic and puppetry.  Some members also utilize juggling, chalk talk, caricatures, balloon sculptures and any other medium that can teach children!  If you are interested in our mission or have questions, please feel free to contact one of our Board of Directors.

S.M.I.L.E. is a group of safety educators that include Police Officers, Fire Fighters, EMS Personnel, Civilian Employees of police and fire departments, Volunteers, as well as professional Magicians, Puppeteers and Clowns.  We have members in more than 20 US States, Canada, and the U.K. making S.M.I.L.E. an International Organization on two continents!  If you are interested in joining the organization, please go to the JOIN page.

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The History

S.M.I.L.E. traces it's history back to a police clown troupe created in 1997 by Officer Mark Ruffennach of the Scottsdale (Arizona) Police Department and civilian Crime Prevention Specialist Bruce Wall of the (then) Glendale (Arizona) Police Department.  They started doing presentations together and found that their clown characters of Officer Billy Club and Buck L. Upp raised them to the children's level of creativity and imagination.  

Officer Billy Club and Buck L. Upp at D.A.R.E. Day in Glendale in 1998.

As other crime prevention practitioners heard about the success of the program through the Arizona Crime Prevention Association or ACPA (Mark was President at the time), they joined the Troupe.  The first name for the troupe was ACPAC (pronounced "ak-pac") which stood for "Arizona Crime Prevention Association Clowns."

The first "Clowning in Crime Prevention" training was held in Scottsdale on August 19, 1997, under the auspices of the ACPA.   Approximately 25 people attended - primarily from the metro Phoenix area.  The training was well received and several clowns such as Hookem and Bookem (Peoria) began at this time.  Then in October 1998, a second major training was held in Mesa.  From this training came Goober and Sgt. Pepper (Mesa), Officers Ray Dar and Miranda Warnings (AZ DPS), and a lot of other tremendous clowns!

The S.M.I.L.E. Troupe #1 - Metro Phoenix at the March 1999 

training "You Ought To Be In Pictures" in Scottsdale, AZ. 

(Photography by Doug Williams, Scottsdale Police Department.)

By 1999, the Troupe was getting requests for membership from clowns outside the state of Arizona.  After a meeting with the Board of Directors of the ACPA (Bruce was ACPA President at this time), the Troupe decided to split from the ACPA so it could grow into a National and perhaps international organization (at that time it was only a dream to be international!).  Once that happened, just calling it a Troupe and the acronym ACPAC didn't make sense.  We needed a new name that could be used for a new kind of organization.  Mark Ruffennach stayed up many nights until he came up with the name "Safety Magic In Law Enforcement™" and it's acronym S.M.I.L.E.!   And that is how the S.M.I.L.E. organization was born in 1999!  

In February, 1999, "Miles O'Smiles" was adopted as the "Official" logo of S.M.I.L.E.

The S.M.I.L.E. Newsletter "PUT A S.M.I.L.E. ON YOUR FACE™" and S.M.I.L.E. logo debuted in February, 1999.  It was proudly displayed at the Arizona Fire and Burn Educator's Association's Education Characterization Conference in Bullhead City, Arizona that month.  Soon, the Fire Safety Community noticed, and many Fire Safety Educator's joined S.M.I.L.E.  Then through contact on the internet, EMS personnel heard about S.M.I.L.E. and joined.  These added fantastic new perspectives to our organization.  Professional Magicians, Clowns, and Puppeteers have also joined the organization.  We all learn more when other perspectives are added! 

The first Board of Directors was elected in May of 1999 for a two year term.  The "founding" Board consisted of President Mark Ruffennach, Vice President Bruce Wall, Treasurer Janet Clayton, Secretary Ann Bowers, Director of Curriculum Clif McKenzie, Director of Humor Relations Hal Koozer and Director of Fire Relations Sandy Raynor.  After the first National Conference in November, 1999, the position of Director of Media Relations was added and Scott Reed was appointed to fill the spot.  

At the Annual Meeting in 2000 at the National Conference, elections were held for the new position of Regional Directors.  Four Regional Directors were elected to represent the four regions of the US.  The first to hold these positions were Pam Moody in the Northeast Region, Cheryl Evans in the North West Region, Patty Meagher in the Southwest Region and Dee Harmon in the Southeast Region. 

During elections in the 2002 Conference for the 2003 & 2004 Board term, Kerry Zado from British Columbia, Canada was elected the first Canadian Regional Director. 

In the term of President Bruce Wall (2003 to 2004), new positions were created including Director of Historical Hysteria - Jerry Quarles was appointed - and Director of Creative Opportunities - Carrie Abts was appointed.

The term of President Patty Meagher (2005-2006) saw new ideas such as the first Pizza Clown Challenge that was held in February, 2006.  The S.M.I.L.E. Board decided to give Miles in the S.M.I.L.E. logo a firefighter friend named Niles.  The new logo was adopted by the S.M.I.L.E. Board in December, 2006. 

In December, 2006 Niles the Fire Fighter clown was added to Miles O'Smiles to create a new S.M.I.L.E. Logo.

During the third term of President Mark Ruffennach (2007-2008) the Board decided to make changes for the better.  At a Board Retreat in November, 2007 the Board voted to change the organization's name to "Safety Messages In Life Education."  The reason for the change was to be more inclusive than exclusive.  Some of our fire members said they were having problems joining an organization with Law Enforcement in the name.  Also, at the suggestion of Scott Reed, the Board adopted the slogan "Heroes for Safety."

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The Conferences

The 1st Annual National S.M.I.L.E. Conference was held on November 20-22, 1999, at the Regal Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona (to read the report, go to the Conference 1999 page).  There were fifty attendees who had the opportunity to be taught by incredible instructors such as Kenny & Brenda Ahern, Earl Chaney, and Dave Mitchell.

Those from the 1999 S.M.I.L.E. Conference "clowned up" one day! 

(Photo by Bruce Wall)

November 17-19, 2000, was the 2nd Annual National S.M.I.L.E. Conference held at the APS Corporate Headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona.  The lead instructors were: Jeff McMullen, Terry Ricketts and Steve Taylor.  Fifty-seven attendees participated in the conference which was a big success.  

The attendees who clowned up (and a few that didn't) for the 2nd Annual 

National S.M.I.L.E. Conference at the Arizona Center in Phoenix.  

(Photo by Rolland E. Grothe)

November 16-18, 2001 was the 3rd Annual International S.M.I.L.E. Conference, held at the APS Corporate Headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona.  Our Lead Instructors were: Angel Ocasio, Terry Ricketts and Samuel Patrick Smith.  Clowning legend Jim Howle made a special guest appearance!  For a complete report, go to the Conference 2001 page.

The attendees of the 3rd Annual International S.M.I.L.E. Conference - 2001!

November 22-24, 2002 was the 4th Annual S.M.I.L.E. Conference held at the APS building at the Arizona Center.  The lead instructors were David Ginn, Jeff McMullen and Terry Ricketts.  The first Billy Awards were given out at this Conference.  For a complete report, go to the Conference 2002 page. 

The Attendees clown it up at the 4th Annual S.M.I.L.E. Conference!

November 21-23, 2003 was the 5th Annual S.M.I.L.E. Conference held at the APS building at the Arizona Center.  The lead instructors were David Mitchell and Terry Ricketts.  We also had S.M.I.L.E. Instructors: Carrie Abts, Debbie Henry, Patty Meagher, Jerry Quarles, Keith Ramsay, Scott Reed, Mark Ruffennach "Wild" Bill Schulte, and Bruce Wall.   

The attendees who clowned up at the 5th Annual S.M.I.L.E. Conference

(Photo by Bruce Wall)

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2003 AND BEYOND!

The group meets regularly in the metro Phoenix area.  There are others who want to start S.M.I.L.E. Troupes in their communities outside Arizona.  For more information, check the FAQs or contact one of the Board of Directors.

In the year 2002, the Board of Directors decided to continue to offer quarterly day-long and two day-long workshops in the Metro Phoenix area.   If you would more information on the NEXT TRAINING, go to that page.

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TEACHING OTHERS

The S.M.I.L.E. instructors have been asked to instruct at other conferences and trainings.  Mark Ruffennach and Bruce Wall instructed at the 2000 Education Characterization Conference in Bullhead City, Arizona presented by the Arizona Fire and Burn Educator's Association.

Mark Ruffennach, Bruce Wall, and an unnamed conference participant share handshake gags during class titled "The Art of Being Funny to Children" at the 2000 Education Characterization Conference in Bullhead City, Arizona.

(Photo by Mark Smith)

Scott Reed, Mark Ruffennach and Bruce Wall were the keynote speakers at the February 21-23, 2001 Louisiana Clowning For Safety Conference in Lake Charles, Louisiana.  They presented on safety education, clowning, magic, skit development and juggling.

Scott Reed gives a few pointers to conference participant Celeste L. during the make-up class at the 2001 Louisiana Clowning For Safety Conference. 

(Photo by Bruce Wall)

Scott Reed, Mark Ruffennach and Bruce Wall presented on S.M.I.L.E. to the International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners Symposium, October 31 to November 3, 2001 in Charlotte, NC. 

Scott Reed and Mark Ruffennach were the keynote speakers at the 2002 Louisiana Clowning For Safety Conference on April 26-28, 2002 in Alexandria, Louisiana.  They taught a variety of topics and even lead patriotic songs at restaurants!

Scooter and Officer Billy Club teaching in Louisiana

(Photo by Mark Ruffennach)

Pam "Sparky" Moody and Mark Ruffennach were the keynote speakers at the Louisiana Clowning For Safety Conference, June 2-4, 2003 in Lafayette, Louisiana.   They presented on a variety of topics.

Sparky and Little Billy at the 2003 Louisiana Clowning For Safety Conference.

Mark Ruffennach and Bruce Wall presented on S.M.I.l.E. to the 25th Annual International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioner's Symposium in Orlando, Florida on November 5-8, 2003.  While they were there, they also accepted an award from the ISCPP on S.M.I.L.E.'s behalf as the best crime prevention program of the year!

The S.M.I.L.E. Instructors are available for instruction at safety conferences.  The Board of Directors has required that all expenses be covered for instructors including a donation to the S.M.I.L.E. Organization.  For more information, contact Mark Ruffennach or Bruce Wall.

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RECOGNITION

S.M.I.L.E. was awarded a Desert Peaks Award for Public-Private Partnerships by the Maricopa Association of Governments on June 21, 2001 in Phoenix, Arizona.  The award recognized the unique partnership between the cities of Glendale, Mesa, and Scottsdale have with APS, an Arizona Public Utility and major supporter of our organization.

Left to Right: Monte Anderson (APS), Justin Ricketts (APS), Mark Ruffennach (Scottsdale), Chris Vassall (Scottsdale), Scott Reed (Scottsdale), Jackie Churchill (Scottsdale), Bruce Wall (Glendale), and Terry Ricketts (APS) at the Desert Peaks Awards accepting on behalf of S.M.I.L.E. 

S.M.I.L.E. was honored to win the Best Crime Prevention Program for 2003 as presented by the International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners at their 25th Annual Symposium in Orlando Florida, November 5-8, 2003. 

ISCPP President Marian Leck, CPS (Left) presents the award to

 Little Billy and Bruce Wall at the 2003 ISCPP Symposium in Orlando, Florida.

The S.M.I.L.E. Organization is proud of the following awards.

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Publications

S.M.I.L.E. has been honored to be mentioned or to be a regular columnist in the following publications:

The Funny Paper, November/December, 2004, "Anger Magicment Helps Kids to Cope" by Scott Reed.

The Funny Paper, May/June, 2004, "Finding Nemo as a Child Safety Routine" by Mark Ruffennach

The Funny Paper, November/December, 2003, "Teaching children to identify suspicious people to an Adult" by Mark Ruffennach.

The Funny Paper, September/October 2003, "Child Safety Routine hit with preschool set" by Scott Reed and "Routine teaches kids to lockup their bikes" by Bruce Wall.

The Funny Paper, July/August 2003, "Routine Helps Children To Learn to Cool A Burn With Water" by Pam "Sparky" Moody.

The Funny Paper, May/June 2003, "Teaching Children About Railroad Track Safety" by Bruce Wall.

The Funny Paper, March/April 2003, "Safety Routine Promotes Self-Esteem" by Bruce Wall.

The Funny Paper, January/February 2003, "Fun Magic Routine Emphasizes Important Message for Kids" by Scott Reed.

The Funny Paper, November/December 2002, "Wilting flower warm-up routine perfect for self-esteem shows" by Mark Ruffennach.

The Funny Paper, September/October 2002, page 27, "How to Create an Educational Safety Show."

The Funny Paper, July/August 2002, page 17-18, "Sponge Bunnies Teach Kids Important Fire Safety Message."

The Funny Paper, March/April 2002, page 27, "Silly Clown Routine Promotes Self-Esteem"

The Funny Paper, December 2001, page 46, "Fun Way to Teach 9-1-1."

Arizona Parenting Magazine, November 2001, "Staying Safe with a S.M.I.L.E."

Police - The Law Enforcement Magazine, October 2001, "A Closer Look: Scottsdale PD: Laughter is a Powerful Weapon"

The Funny Paper, September 2001, page 49, "Teaching Safety with a S.M.I.L.E."

Bruce Johnson's The Clown In Times, Volume 6, Issue 4, June, 2000, on page 100.

M-U-M, the publication of the Society of American Magicians, February 2000, reviewed the S.M.I.L.E. Newsletter.

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HELPING OTHERS

S.M.I.L.E. has also been a socially active group.  On June 1, 1999, the group presented CLOWN AID - a fundraising safety show open to the public that benefited the police officers and fire fighters in Oklahoma that lost their homes during tornadoes in May while saving lives in their community.

The performers at CLOWN AID do the "Safety Train" to teach Little Billy 

how to be safe! NOTE: Photo is splice together from two pictures.

(Photo by Janet Clayton)

In December of 1999, the S.M.I.L.E. group created the Jesse Koozer Fund to honor a child who has been diagnosed with Spina Bifida that is entering college in the Fall of 2000.  This fund was created after a suggestion by a S.M.I.L.E. member to honor the life of a seven year old daughter of a S.M.I.L.E. member who died of complications of the disease Spina Bifida.  

On November 3, 2000, S.M.I.L.E. presented CLOWN AID 2 at Coronado High School in Scottsdale, Arizona.  More than $5200 was raised to help Nathan Wallace, the 20 month old son of Phoenix Police Officer Marty Wallace.  Nathan is in need of a life saving liver transplant.  Clown Aid II was part of a community wide effort to raise money for the family.  We called Clown Aid 2 "Families Helping Families!"

The cast of Clown Aid II

(Photo by Brian Kornegay)