SOUTHWICK – A town-wide Public Safety Day is set for this Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the public safety complex on Depot Street.
Southwick police officer Tom Krutka follows the lead of his K-9 police dog Jax after an armed robbery in Westfield during the summer of 2013. Jax will be performing demonstrations at the Public Safety Day this Saturday. The event is free and open to the public. (File photo by Frederick Gore)
Southwick’s police, fire and emergency management departments will offer demonstrations and tours, and speak to the public about their services.
Police Chief David Ricardi said one of the purposes of the event is to be transparent in the community.
“We want to let the taxpayers see what they’re getting for their money, and we want them to feel comfortable and welcome coming to us,” he said.
Often a person’s first encounter with a police officer or firefighter is at a time of distress during an emergency. Ricardi hopes that having this introduction in a fun atmosphere will prevent some folks – especially children – from being scared of an officer or firefighter in an emergency situation.
Police will display the firearms and other equipment they use including ballistic vests.
“We will have on display the soft body armor we are currently using, as well as the hard armor we are hoping to obtain and have already received some donations for from the community,” Ricardi said.
The department vehicles will also be on display and officers will explain the equipment on board cruisers, the police boat and all-terrain vehicles.
“Our dispatchers will also be available to talk about what they do.” Ricardi said.
Ricardi said he hopes people will come out and bring their children and their cameras so they can familiarize themselves with the equipment and take pictures of their families with the police officers, cruisers, etc.
“I really encourage people to check out our vehicles and see what equipment we have on them,” Ricardi said. “I think we have a lot of things people are not even aware of.”
Southwick’s canine officer Jax will also give a demonstration once per hour during the event.
“New England Bicycle is teaming up with us to offer tune-ups and checks for people who bring their bicycles.” Ricardi said. “We also ask people to bring their helmets so they can get those checked.”
Southwick Police will also offer a raffle drawing for a children’s bicycle and they will be giving away several helmets and gun locks, as well as information on safety.
People who have medications they no longer need to use can also bring them down to the police department’s Med Ex box, located in the station lobby.
The fire and police departments, as well as the animal control facility, will have tours of the buildings throughout the event. Life Star is scheduled to land its helicopter in front of the fire station at 11 a.m.
The town’s Emergency Management department will also have its vehicles and equipment on display.
Ricardi is hoping the community comes out for the event and gets to know their public safety officers better.
“We are proud of our department and blessed to have a good officers. We are looking forward to this event – it’s going to be a great family day,” said Ricardi.
