A public safety show-and-tell
Ben Godar
They came for the fun, but hundreds who attended the Fire Service Day
and National Police Week celebration also got a chance to learn about
public safety.
Orange Grove Avenue and Third Street were closed for a block
around Police and Fire Headquarters on Saturday as children, parents
and other community members soaked in the sunshine while being
treated to safety presentations.
Burbank resident David Silag said he and his two sons were just
out to have a good time.
“They really like the characters and all the big equipment,” Silag
said of his boys.
The Burbank Police and Fire departments were the largest
exhibitors at the annual event, but other public safety-related
agencies also were in attendance to greet the crowd.
Several rescue vehicles were on display, ranging from new and
vintage fire engines to a police helicopter.
A horse from the police mounted unit and the department’s K-9s
were also out for show-and-tell.
Fire crews drew large crowds to demonstrations in the parking lot
behind the headquarters, which included removing someone from a car
with the Jaws of Life and rappeling from a 100-foot ladder.
Throughout the day, dozens of children waited inside the open
parking bay of Fire Station 11 to have their photos taken with a Walt
Disney character. Many kids also sported red plastic fire helmets
that were given away as souvenirs.
Deputy Police Chief Larry Koch said the celebration gives police
an opportunity to meet citizens at a time when they are not victims
or perpetrators of crimes.
“In police work, some of our contact with people is not at the
best times,” he said. “This gives us a chance to have a lot of
positive contact.”