Program a Salute to Public Safety Workers

Search-and-rescue demonstrations, recruiting for careers in public safety and a parade of vintage emergency vehicles will all be part of the American Giants--1997 Celebration of Heroes AiRSQ Show Sunday at the Hansen Dam recreation complex.

The daylong event, which is free to the public, marks its second year at Hansen Dam after three years at the Santa Monica Airport. It is being jointly sponsored by the Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation and the office of 7th District Councilman Richard Alarcon.

The nearly two dozen helicopters expected to be on display or used in rescue and firefighting demonstrations are scheduled to arrive between 7 and 9 a.m.

At 9:30, a caravan of 50 vintage emergency vehicles will leave from Stonehurst Park in Shadow Hills and arrive at Hansen Dam at 10 a.m. to officially begin the day’s activities.

Awards presentations to various teams will take place at 11:30, with demonstrations beginning at noon.

“It will be an interesting show with all the helicopters and other rescue equipment operated by the agencies we call upon whenever we are in life-threatening situations,” Alarcon said. “But it’s also an opportunity for the community to express appreciation for all the heroes who work day in and day out with the purpose of saving our lives.”

In addition to exhibits and recruiting by federal, regional and local emergency services, information will be available regarding volunteer opportunities. These include local reserve search-and-rescue teams and civilian communications organizations sponsored by the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department out of its Crescenta Valley, Santa Clarita and Malibu-Lost Hills stations.

Hansen Dam is best reached by the Osborne Street exit of the Foothill Freeway in Lake View Terrace. A pancake breakfast, with donations requested, will be hosted by Mary Immaculate Church of Pacoima beginning at 8:30 a.m.