Sheriff's Deputy Chris Freshe (left) talks about the bite equipment for training with the K-9 Raider. Photo by Coltrane Carlson-Raccoon Valley Radio
It was another picture perfect day for the 2nd Annual Hero’s Day event at Greene County Elementary School on Tuesday.
Principal Audrey Hinote says the program involves second graders learning about the different kinds of equipment and vehicles that the Jefferson Police Department, Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol and Life Flight with UnityPoint Health outside in the circle drive area, southeast of the school building.
Jefferson Police Chief Mark Clouse talked about what he liked about being at the event.
“It gives us an opportunity to meet with the young ones in the community and show them some of the tools and equipment that we use throughout the year for different procedures. And more importantly than that, it gives us some personal time with the children, which we all love that.”
Students learned about how law enforcement uses a drone, demonstrating using a taser, the Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, along with the vests, riot gear, and how Life Flight does its job using a helicopter for patient care, as well as the newest addition provided by Iowa State Patrol. Lieutenant Mike Cunningham of the State Patrol explained the specialized vehicle and being invited to Hero’s Day once again.
“Like today we have the ‘Bearcat’ which is an armored vehicle for hostage situations, things like that. But it’s good to let the kids come up there and not be intimidated by the equipment that we bring in. And we want them to be comfortable with having everyone be around law enforcement in general.”
Hinote applauds the efforts by Deputy Heath Enns who brought a vision to light to have first responders and law enforcement together in one setting for young kids to learn about their jobs. She was also excited to invite the second graders from Paton-Churdan to be a part of the event this year.
Hinote is also thankful to have law enforcement around the elementary school frequently during the school year.
“I would say weekly, at a minimum, we have an officer in the building. They eat lunch with our kids, they walk through the hallways, often they’ll end up at recess. So we have officers here a lot, which that just really builds that really strong relationship that our kids get to see the law enforcement in a positive light. They’re smiling at them, they see their faces. So that is just really special for us here.”
Hinote is hoping to keep hosting Hero’s Day for the second graders as an annual event.