Middletown first responders worked Saturday to build relationships and familiarity with their community at the Oxford Valley Mall.
The now “Touch a Truck” event brings lots of public vehicles and personnel out to meet with families and residents in order to build relationships and rapport. From fire truck to police cars, the community had a chance to meet nearly every facet of the township’s emergency response team.
Advertisements
“It’s just all of the emergency services and resources available to the community,” said Jim McGuire, the fire marshal for Middletown.
In addition to fire trucks and personnel, there was also a smoke trailer for kids to learn how to avoid smoke in a burning building, a K-9 demonstration and more for families to learn about emergency services the township offers.
“Anytime you can show someone their resources and available services, that’s a win,” McGuire said.
Advertisements
This year, the event was held at the food court entrance to the mall. This entrance location made sure that people entering the mall there got to see the display and meet some of the officers near the door. On previous years, the event would draw about 700 people, says McGuire.
Police Chief Joseph Bartorilla was at the entrance of the mall during some of the event and commented on the importance of introducing residents and public servants in a non-stressful environment.
Advertisements
“Anytime you can get interaction between the public and the public servants, that is important because it helps to build relationships,” the police chief said.
