TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— Families gathered at Fairbanks Park on Wednesday for the annual First Responder Rally, which brought together local first responders and community members for an afternoon of connection, support, and celebration.
This event was organized to help families prepare for the upcoming school year by providing an opportunity for kids and parents to meet and interact with local police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel in a relaxed setting. Children climbed into fire trucks, explored police cruisers, and watched demonstrations.
Attendees also received free school supplies for the upcoming school year.
“We want them to know that the police officers are there to help. They’re not just there in case of an emergency, but we obviously are. When they come to places like this I want them to remember like “Hey, that’s where we saw the K-9 demo”, or “That’s where we saw the policemen hand out the school supplies.” or “We just got the high-five or the hug.” Seeing police officers is a good thing. Police officers in our community, they’re good people. They’re professional people. They’re invested in our community,” Lieutenant and Public Relations Officer with the Terre Haute Police Department Justin Sears said.
Vigo County Schools’ first day is Tuesday, August 12.
