Coventry Police and Fire to Host Public Safety Day

On Saturday, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., residents will have the opportunity to join Coventry firefighters and police officers for a hands-on experience at the town's Public Safety Day.

The event will be held in the vacant lot next door to Burger King (OK, the old Almacs or Kmart Plaza to most) and will provide a unique chance for Coventry residents, young and old, to experience what their emergency responders do on a daily basis to keep the community safe. 

The day will include demonstrations by accelerant, a "Jaws of Life" demonstration in which residents can participate in a mock extrication and a smoke-filled Fire Simulator that guests can experience while wearing firefighter gear and breathing masks. Demonstrations will be approximately 10 to 15 minutes long and will be repeated throughout the afternoon. 

Residents will also be able to climb into Central Coventry Fire District fire trucks and use the equipment and participate in a firefighter obstacle course. Blood pressure screenings, car seat installations and the Hasbro LifePACT Pediatric Transport Unit will also be available as well as a table sponsored by the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center that will be equipped with information about domestic violence.

"We want public education to be the key here," said CCFD Captain Dave Gorman. "It will be very hands-on and people will be able to get an idea of what we have for equipment and what we do on a day-to-day basis."

The event that will kick off Fire Prevention Month for October, is free to the public and the local fire fighter's union will be providing hamburgers and hot dogs to guests.