Maverick Harkleroad, 2, takes a pretend ride on a rescue side-by-side Sunday during the Buffalo Township Parks and Recreation Committee's annual Touch-A-Truck event held at South Pike Square in Sarver.

BUFFALO TWP — Who needs Tonka trucks when you can play with the real things?

The sounds of fire sirens and horn blasts filled the lot on South Pike Square on Sunday as more than half a dozen emergency vehicles gathered in the area. First responders were there not for an emergency but for the township's first touch-a-truck community celebration.

“Look at the kids, having a great time,” said John Haven, the township's Parks and Recreation chairman, as he watched children of all ages scrambling around fire trucks and construction vehicles. “It's a community thing. Look at them all eating together.”

Buffalo Township's fire department, police department and several local businesses brought trucks and construction vehicles to the grassy field for children and families to tour and sit in the vehicles.

“I always like doing this stuff for the kids,” said Capt. Kip Johnston, who has been with Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company for 38 years. “But it's not just the kids that love it. Adults too, don't let 'em fool ya.”

Johnston hoped to get some of the interested adults to consider volunteering for the department.

“The township's population has increased but we've seen a significant decline in membership over the last decade,” Johnston said, noting that the group has about 40 active members. He would like that number to be more than 100, if not more and suggested those who are interested should stop by the fire station to fill out an application.

“People don't want to do something for free anymore, but with an event like this we're hoping to remind people about community responsibility,” he saidHaven said plans for the touch-a-truck began in May, when the township began looking for a late summer activity that would kick-start a number of fall activities.“This is a prelude to Friends of Buffalo Township,” Haven said, referring to a series of events like Veterans Day in November where veterans are invited to a running race.He was pleased with Sunday's turnout, observing that the nearby parking lot, which holds 200 cars, was full.Craig Rinaman came with his wife and three children.“Kids love the trucks,” he said. “It's not hard to get them to come here. It's great to get the community together and out of their houses on such a nice day.“The turnout has been great, and next year it should be even bigger and better.”

Emerson Prioletti, 3, talks into the microphone of a rescue side-by-side Sunday during the Touch-A-Truck event.