NORTH GREENBUSH, NY - On October 7th in the town of North Greenbush at the town hall the Wynantskill FD, Defreestville FD, North Greenbush Ambulance, North Greenbush PD, NYS Police, Rensselaer County Sheriff's Office, Rensselaer County Department of Mental Health, North Greenbush Library, Children Start Center, Rensselaer County Search & Rescue Team, and many more came out to a great day of family fun, fire safety education, and public safety education. The event, which was open to the public, is a hit every year.

Every year, rain or shine, the event happens around the same date and a large number of residents come out with their families to enjoy a day of good times. The event planning starts earlier in the year and is developed and made possible by the dedication of Bonnie Pangburn and Len Johnson, members of the Wynantskill Fire Department. Bonnie's goal for the event is for the community to come out and meet our first responders and learn what they do, see the apparatus, and be able to give the community the knowledge about what resources are available to them. Items for the families included coloring books, informational packets on Fire Safety, children’s IDs, and much more.

During the event, the Rensselaer County surgeon rescue team set up out in front of the venue door and had numerous bloodhounds available to be pet and for the public to meet. The search team also discussed with the public what they do and the types of operations they have ran and assisted in. Normally for the community day the New York State Police brings out their helicopter to the event, which is a major hit, but unfortunately this year due to weather they were unable to fly. Instead, this year they had their ATVs, motorcycles, and their seatbelt simulator. The Rensselaer County Sheriff's Office had their child safety ID program available to any parent looking to have one made for their little ones. The event also featured Harlee’s heroes who helps raise funds to donate items to local police departments, fire departments and EMS agencies. Harlee is one of North Greenbush’s young heroes.

The event was a true success, as it is normally every year. The event planner plans to have a bigger community safety day and to incorporate other town businesses in the event.