SOUTHWICK – The town’s police, fire and emergency management departments are combining forces for an Emergency Services Day April 5.
The three departments are working in tandem on the event, which is free and open to the public and starts at 10 a.m.
Fire Capt. Kathy Sobczyk said the Southwick Fire Department (SFD) and Southwick Police Department (SPD) will be open and offer a glimpse into what they do for the public.
“We will offer tours and demonstrate what firefighters look like when they come in from the street and how they look in their gear,” Sobczyk said.
The SFD will host a Life Star helicopter landing at 11 a.m. in front of the station.
“This will also be an opportunity for some safety training for our new firefighters,” said Sobczyk, adding that spectators can watch them train for the landing.
The SFD will also demonstrate a vehicle rescue, including removing the doors. The fire rescue boat will be on display along with other fire apparatus and the department’s all terrain vehicle.
“It’s a chance for people to see our building and what we do and ask us questions,” said Sobczyk.
Sobczyk herself joined the department after getting to know more about what the mostly volunteer staff did.
“I had a fire in my home and I saw what a great job they did and I wanted to join,” she said.
That was seven years ago and Sobczyk worker her way through the ranks to captain.
The SFD will offer free blood pressure checks during the Emergency Safety Day event. Sobczyk said in addition to being a health check, it is also a way to familiarize children with something they may have to experience one day.
“We really encourage people to bring their children to the event,” Sobczyk said. “We are hoping a lot of people come.”
