HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania — Friday marks the start of Lancaster County Firemen's Association's 52nd Annual FIRE EXPO.
It's an event that allows first responders to get a look at the latest technology while connecting with other departments from across the country.
But according to the expo's co-chair, Jacque Creamer, that's only part of the event's mission.
"Bottom line is that we want all of our EMS and firefighter personnel to go home safely," Creamer said.
The event brings in hundreds of vendors who show off their latest emergency equipment to first responders and the general public.
One of the many unique pieces of equipment at the show is Hy-Conn's tool meant to create a quicker connection to fire hydrants.
Jeff Stroope, the president and founder of Hy-Conn, shared the tool is meant to make things more efficient for firefighters as the connection to the fire hydrant can be made in less than 30 seconds.
"When you show up to a fire scene if you hook up and you start running water out of the truck, you will run out of water before firemen can even get inside the building…so it's that important to be hooked to a hydrant," Stroope said.
Creamer added, "Those couple seconds sometimes mean a big difference in a fire starting."
Another interesting device at the show is a vehicle known as a "SHERP." It can go on land and water and its large tires inflate by using the vehicle's exhaust gas.
Nick Satkovich, the owner of SHERP Northeast, shared the vehicles are supposed to make search and rescuers more comfortable.
"The SHERP itself actually has an onboard heater…on the top of the unit itself…it actually has an air conditioning unit as well," Satkovich said.
The expo even gives first responders the chance to get something they've always wanted. For Exeter Township Volunteer Firefighter, Steve Begley, that was a Halligan bar.
"So now I'll take this on duty with me and this will be what I work with and get used to," Begley said.
It's also an opportunity to unlock a new passion, "I hope that some of the younger people are going to come out and learn how to come out and do this because we really need firefighters and EMS personnel across the region," Creamer said.
The Expo will open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Pennsylvania Farm Show & Expo Center.
Tickets are $10, children ages 9 and under can get in for free.