Safety Day in Harrison gives kids chance to mingle with emergency services

Citizens Hose volunteer Catherine Erb was giving six-year-year old Andrew Klein a deluxe tour of a fire engine during a children’s Safety Day event on Saturday when the youngster told her she had to stop.

“If I hear any more good stuff my brain is gonna melt,” Andrew said.

The event was hosted at Citizens’ Burtner Road station in Harrison and sponsored by State Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Fox Chapel.

The grounds were filled with emergency services that included Harrison and Tarentum police departments, Citizens, Hilltop and Harrison Hills fire departments, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army of Allegheny Valley.

Allegheny Family Network was on hand with games to entertain the kids while families could learn about the nonprofit’s services, which include parent-led support groups.

“We help kids with (Individualised Instruction Plans), drug and alcohol issues and behavioral challenges,” said Autumn Monaghan, support group facilitator.

“We want to let people know what we offer and that we are available to them.”

Amber Dean, Highlands School District’s director of student services, drove the Rams Van filled with back-to-school supplies like crayons, toiletries and backpacks.

The mobile support vehicle, paid for through a $585,000 grant from the Allegheny County Health Department and managed by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, is filling its mission of reaching families where they are, Dean said.

“While the kids are able to grab supplies today, we can talk to the parents about school requirements and upcoming programs,” she said.

Nor Boyer, 5, of Natrona Heights snagged a brand-new blue backpack decorated with unicorns.

“I like it a lot,” she said.

There also were home safety demonstrations, a bike and helmet giveaway, car seat checks and children’s fingerprinting.

For Andrew, the highlight was hopping into the engine cab and getting to hold some of the firefighting equipment.

“This stuff is so heavy,” he said. “You have to be a muscle man to work here.”