Safety fair, open house, demonstrations. It was all of these in one event Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the Somers Village/Town Hall, 7511 12th St.
Hundreds of families toured the Somers Fire & Rescue Department and visited booths from local businesses, schools and non-profit groups.
The Somers Fire & Rescue Department equipment was on displays in the parking lot, with the fully deployed ladder truck towering over the event.
Safety demonstrations went on throughout the day. The Sheriff’s Department K9 unit was there showing how the K9 officer searches for drugs and is trained to apprehend suspects and protect its handler. The Flight For Life helicopter came in for a landing and was soon swarmed by kids and adults alike who got a chance to climb inside the flying medical unit. Firefighters demonstrated the hydraulic equipment used to free patients from a crushed car as the Flight For Life helicopter roared overhead and departed.
Firefighters also demonstrated the proper use of a fire extinguisher, how to escape from a fire inside a home and cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
Somers Public Works vehicles, from a front-end loader to the vacuum truck and everything in between were on display as well as the Sheriff’s Department’s armored vehicle.
Several officials stopped by throughout the day: State Rep. Tip McGuire, State Rep. Amanda Nedweski, State Sen. Bob Wirch and Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman.
The event also raised funds for the “Make the Difference” initiative, which aims to train the community on life-saving measures.
For more information about the initiative, fill out this form on the Somers website.