TORONTO - The public was invited Saturday to the Gem City Plaza to see what the city's safety forces had to offer during the annual Safety Days demonstration.
City Police, the city fire department and personnel from the TEMS Joint Ambulance District joined forces to show the taxpayers the tools used to keep them safe during an emergency. Whether it be City Police offering free child identification kits to parents to an afternoon helicopter landing at the plaza courtesy of STAT MedEvac, the day was devoted to first responders and the public getting to know each other.
"We're just passing out pamphlets and free water," said Don Redmond, volunteer for the Jefferson County Chapter of the American Red Cross. "We also have a person here trained in first aid who can demonstrate if need be."
Article Photos
Mark J. Miller
SHE’S I.D. — Scottlynn Littlejohn, 6, left, daughter of John and Jessica Littlejohn, gets fingerprinted as part of a child identification kit by patrolman Tony Porreca of the Toronto Police, as part of Safety Day Saturday at the Gem City Plaza in Toronto. The day included information, equipment and demonstrations by the City Police, city fire department and personnel from the TEMS Joint Ambulance District.
Randy Henry, chief of police, said the day was proceeding well despite the heat.
"We're doing fingerprinting for the kids and giving away bicycles," said Henry, adding the bikes for both a girl and a boy also included safety helmets. "We also have the Jefferson County Multi-Jurisdictional Special Response vehicle here as well. Four of our guys belong with that.
"We also have safety brochures available," continued Henry. "We also are going to have (officials from) Norfolk-Southern Railroad here to provide information on railroad safety."
Frank McEwen, city fire department chief, said the department was going to do a vehicle extrication demonstration with members of the other safety forces sometime during the day.
"We're just going to display all the equipment for the public to see," said McEwen.
One of the afternoon's highlights included a helicopter courtesy of STAT MedEvac landing in the parking lot, much to the delight of the children there. Also back this year was a smoke trailer, where kids and adults could explore and learn what to do in the event of a house fire.
Clark Crago, TEMS chief of operations, said the agency was handing out literature on public safety, information on the agency's child safety seat program and other activities.
"It's going to be hot, but I think we're also going to have some fun with the community today," said Crago. "The idea is to keep everyone hydrated.
"We have our equipment here as well," continued Crago. "We have the Pittsburgh Pirates' parrot here. I think that will be a big plus for the kids."
