Two Toledo police officers provided a possibly life-saving lesson in firearm safety Monday at McKinley Elementary School.

Officers Joe Okos and Duane Isabell gave third-grade students detailed instructions on what to do if they find a gun: Stop. Don’t Touch. Run away. Tell an adult.

Maintaining a safe distance is important, Officer Okos said, because no one can stop a bullet once it leaves a gun.

“It’s going to hit what it’s going to hit. It could be a tree. It could be a car. It could be somebody else. It could be your friends. It could be you,” Officer Okos said.

They presented photos of similar-looking firearms and asked students to determine which is a toy. Many fake guns are created to look nearly identical to their deadly counterparts.

The police said it’s best for children to call for adults who can tell the difference.

“Firearms are a real thing. They’re in society. They’re in homes,” Officer Okos said.

He said he enjoyed speaking to the children, and he said he believes this message will carry more weight coming from a police officer.

Student Ruben Daniels, 8, said he enjoyed the presentation, particularly a short digital cartoon the officers played. The clip, from the National Rifle Association, followed Eddie Eagle as he encouraged safety around firearms.

Officer Okos is also a co-founder of Feet on the Street, a nonprofit group that, among other activities, hosts the annual 12 Kids of Christmas shopping event for children.

The organization said its “Operation Hands Off” program can be taught for free at other gatherings, such as day-care centers or churches. Those interested can contact the organization.

Officer Okos said sooner is better to discuss how to act near a firearm.

“You can never be too early with safety,” the officer said.

Contact Ryan Dunn at: rdunn@theblade.com, 419-724-6095, or on Twitter @rdunnblade.

First Published April 5, 2016, 5:11 a.m.