A crowd eats and mingles inside the Pendleton fire station on Broadway Street during Public Safety Day on Sunday, Aug. 28.
Kenny Humphrey | For The Times-Post
People visit information booths inside the Pendleton fire station on Broadway Street during Public Safety Day on Sunday, Aug. 28.
Kenny Humphrey | For The Times-Post
Daniel Sterba Jr., 3, plays in the Pendleton Police Department side-by-side at Pendleton fire station on Broadway Street during Public Safety Day on Sunday, Aug. 28.
Kenny Humphrey | For The Times-Post
People take rides on the Pendleton Fire Department’s antique Diamond T fire engine during Public Safety Day on Sunday, Aug. 28.
Kenny Humphrey | For The Times-Post
Fire apparatus on display at the Pendleton Fire Station during Public Safety Day on Sunday, Aug. 28.
Kenny Humphrey | For The Times-Post
Friends for Paws leader Kellie Riley-Borgman with dog Viper and Emma Valentine, 9, during Public Safety Day on Sunday, Aug. 28.
Kenny Humphrey | For The Times-Post
IU Health LifeLine critical care paramedic Josh Batt talks with Nora Swindell, 3, during Public Safety Day at Pendleton Fire Department.
Kenny Humphrey | For The Times-Post
Madison County K-9 officer Lars goes after Deputy Will Jackson during a demonstration during Public Safety Day at the Pendleton Fire Department Sunday, Aug. 28.
Kenny Humphrey | For The Times-Post
Sgt. Paul Kollros leads K-9 officer Lars, who is carrying his practice target.
Kenny Humphrey | For The Times-Post
Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy Justin Weber with K-0 officer Spike.
Kenny Humphrey | For The Times-Post
Paul Kollros explaining the dogs
Kenny Humphrey | For The Times-Post
Sean Duciaome stands ii front of a monster truck during Public Safety Day at Pendleton Fire Department on Sunday, Aug. 28.
Kenny Humphrey | For The Times-Post
Madison County Sheriff’s Department K-9 officer Spike, held on leash by Deputy Justin Weber, finds contraband package before a demonstration begins.
Kenny Humphrey | For The Times-Post
PENDLETON — Pendleton Fire Department played host to Public Safety Day on Sunday, Aug. 28, offering tours of PFD vehicles, several interactive activities and demonstations, and rides on a antique Diamond T fire truck.
“What an amazing turnout for PFD Safety Day yesterday, it was the biggest one yet!” PFD Chief Chris Nodine posted on the department Facebook site. “So thank you…thank you to all of the families that came out. Whether it was your first time or your 173th time…thank you for coming out and showing your support.”
Activities lasted from 1 to 4 p.m. and included participation of several other agencies, including Pendleton Police Department Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Madison County Emergency Management and Indiana State Police.
A variety of information booths were set up inside the station, and food was served, including Pendleton Kiwanis Club K-burgers. An IU Health LifeLine helicopter also dropped by for a visit.
Nodine gave “special thanks” to almost 20 organizations and individuals for contributions to the day, including the Kiwanis Club, which received a separate post of its own; for the announcement of a $2,000 donation toward the installation a Safe Haven Baby Box at the station.
The box, which is climate controlled and alerts local medical personnel immediately, allows a baby to be surrendered anonamously and safely. The box is expected to cost about $20,000 to install, according to Julie Schnepp, who is helping lead the effort, including fundraising.
“This community never ceases to amaze us with their generosity,” Nodine wrote about the donation.