Area residents are invited to an opportunity to thank the men and women to keep them safe. The first-ever Emergency Services Preparedness Day is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of Waters True Value Hardware, 1649 W. K-96 in Great Bend.
“Usually, people don’t get to meet these folks unless it’s in a time of crisis,” said Bryan Harris, floor supervisor for Waters. “This will give the agencies a chance to showcase what they do in a positive light.”
There is another reason. “They put their lives on the line every day for us. Come show your appreciation and learn what these serves do.”
Agencies to be recognized Saturday include the Great Bend Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services, the Great Bend Police Department, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, and the Barton Community College criminal justice department.
Activities and features will include: Tours of the BCSO’s “Beast” crime-scene investigation truck; a K-9 demonstration at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; a jaws of life demonstration at noon; the fire department’s trailer used for search and rescue, and building collapses; KDWPT boat safety and mud boat; fire truck and other vehicle displays; the BCC students offering Ident-a-Kid to have children finger printed and DNA samples taken; a mock crime scene set up by the KBI using its CSI truck; and the Drug Abuse Resistance Education car and truck from the BCSO and GBPD.
There will also be a hot dog feed from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We want to make this an annual event,” Harris said. “We want to make it bigger and better.”
They may try to involve the Kansas Highway Patrol, Barton County Communications/911 and the National Guard.
Waters will give a portion of the day’s take to the Emergency Aid Council. Last year, Harris said the council gave $30,000 to help 250 families in need.
This organization was chosen because it is in need itself and it helps local residents.