LEXINGTON, Ohio – A full force of Lexington safety officials and other safety officials showed up at Central Elementary on Tuesday – it was purely educational.
Centra Elementary’s annual Safety Day hosted volunteers from Akron Children’s Hospital, Ontario SWAT and Hostage Negotiations, Y-Not Cycling, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in cooperation with North Central Ohio Safe Boating Council, Richland County Health Department, Richland County Emergency Management, the State Highway Patrol and the Troy Township and Mansfield Fire Departments.
Central Elementary Principal Kathy Weidig said Safety Day was originally celebrated in October as a fun way to teach students about safety, but as the years went on more and more activities were added. She noted this year emphasized a sense of community between first responders and students.
“They know a friendly face is coming when they need help, that they’re not the enemy and they work together,” said Weidig. “It helps so much that the kids know they can go to them for help.”
Central students of all ages were entertained with a variety of informative activities on Tuesday. Troy Township and Mansfield Fire Departments organized a kid-friendly “fireman’s challenge” course where students learned how to save people, run with a fire hose and even control the hose’s powerful spray. Students also visited the “House of Hazards” where students learned of the common dangers in a home.
In addition, the Ontario SWAT and Hostage Negotiations team explained the tools they have and what they’re used for, and students visited all types of vehicles. The highlight of the day, added Weidig, was the landing of the Akron Children’s Hospital’s Airbear helicopter.
Students were able to look through the helicopter and meet the staff and pilot.
Weidig said the safety officers present went above and beyond their duties on Tuesday, playing jump rope and football and pushing kids on the swings.
“The kids saw them as fun human beings, they helped them and let them climb all over their trucks and I had a heart attack, but I know the kids enjoyed it,” she said. “And some of my kids participating were kids that really needed it.”
“They know a friendly face is coming when they need help, that they’re not the enemy and they work together,” said Principal Weidig. “It helps so much that the kids know they can go to them for help.”
