Smoke, sirens, firehoses, hats and badges, and Kia the K-9 officer drew a sizable turnout to the first annual Guns and Hoses open house Saturday morning.  Great Bend Police, Fire and Rescue collaborated on the event that showcased the elements of how these men and women work and train to keep the people of Great Bend safe each day.
Firefighters manned a hands on firehose demonstration where kids of all ages had the chance to aim the hoses at collapsible imaginary fires.  Squeals of delight came from one preschooler as one of the firefighters lifted her up, helping her guide the spray so she wouldn’t be knocked down.
Elsewhere, two young boys listened intently as rescuers explained how they used special equipment to extract people from collapsed buildings, wrecked vehicles and grain elevators.  He also demonstrated a camera used in rescue operations where someone may be trapped.  The camera is on the end of a long pole that can be inserted in a hole broken through the debris.  The rescuers can turn the camera 360 degrees to thoroughly search the area and clear it before moving on.  
Great Bend Police Officer Adam Hales worked with K--9 Officer Kia to demonstrate a drug sniff and a felony stop.  A taser demonstration was also performed on a dummy for the crowd.  
Children received goody bags, dressed up in fire and police gear for pictures taken by staff from the City of Great Bend, and hotdog were available as the noon hour drew near.  
With so many parents of young children on hand, it was a great opportunity, too, to offer a child safety-seat check.