Touch-A-Truck informed, engaged community
WEST SUNBURY — The lights and sirens from a dozen vehicles made quite a scene Saturday, June 24, afternoon at the West Sunbury fire station, but not in response to any emergency.
The reason for the noise was children at the controls of firetrucks, police cars, and other vehicles at the first Touch-A-Truck event held by West Sunbury Volunteer Fire Department.
In an effort to engage and inform the community, chief Justin O’Hara said he invited first responders to bring their equipment and demonstrate the tools of their professions.
“It’s a chance to give back to the community, to show off what we have and what we’ve used their money for,” he said. “It’s also to get familiar with the firefighters, so we’re not complete strangers in the event of an emergency.”
Children, many of them wearing plastic fire hats, sat in the driver’s seat of fire and garbage trucks, explored a school bus and climbed into the back of a state police car.
Bertha Cazy, public information officer for Pennsylvania State Police, Troop D, said many adults were surprised to see inside the cruisers.
“Not all of them are caged,” she said, referring to the divider in some police vehicles that separate the driver from the passengers. “We let (children) go in, turn the sirens on, use a prop hat.
“(The event) gives people an opportunity to talk to us in a safe environment. They’ll see things they never get to see.”
Several people fit into the back of the Emergency Service Unit’s armored car, which is used when serving high-risk warrants, in active shooting situations, and other dangerous emergency responses.
Denny Crawford, deputy commander, explained to those attending that the unit assists the county SWAT team, comprised of 40 officers from around the county.
Michael Balik and his son, Colton, 9, listened attentively to details about the armored car, though Colton was especially fond of the school bus.
“(Everyone’s) very informative,” Balik said.
Children also were given tours of the Butler County fire safety trailer, which is set up like a house. A guide explained the different sounds of fire and carbon monoxide alarms, demonstrated how to feel heat from a fire on the other side of a door and find emergency exits.
A phone system also was set up for youths to practice dialing 911, and someone was waiting on the other end of the line to take their call.
Cayden Pisor, 13, of North Washington, said he enjoyed learning about the firetrucks and LifeFlight helicopter, which landed nearby for the event.
“I want to drive the helicopter,” he said. “I’m thinking of trying to be a junior firefighter.”
Crew members on the helicopter answered questions and gave people a look inside the craft.
Alaina Martini, a flight nurse, said she is most often asked how fast the helicopter can fly. The answer: 200 mph.
“It’s nice people get to see what we do,” she said. “It’s good, because we depend on the community as much as they depend on us.”
