Event puts kids in touch with trucks

By Ashley Luthans

Kids got to explore some big vehicles up close at a special event on Thursday.

The St. Joseph Public Library hosted its annual Touch-A-Truck event across from the East Hills branch. The event aims to familiarize children with vehicles and personnel they may see most often in some intense situations.

Sean Gray with the St. Joseph Fire Department said he was eager to come out and talk with the kids at the event.

“So they get a chance to see a different side of us,” Gray said. “On 911 calls and stuff like that, usually the families are a little frantic, scared. It gives them a chance to see us and laugh and get a good experience with us so they’re not scared on the next time if they have to call 911 or deal with any of us, that they’re not scared to do that.”

Aside from the fire department, there were also vehicles from the police department, Altec and more. Children were able to get inside the trucks and meet the drivers.

Sisters Annabelle and Amelia Richmond attended the event and said they were excited to see all of the vehicles.

“I really like to learn about cars, so this is kind of just like my happy place,” Amelia said.

“I just wanted to sit in the trucks,” Annabelle added.

The free event drew many children from across the area and continues to be a big hit in the community.