HARRISBURG, Pa. — Strawberry Square partnered with the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire to host a Public Safety Day on Thursday.
The day was meant as a way to teach the public about how emergency services protect the public along with ways community members can get involved with careers in the emergency services fields.
From 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 12, the community was able to visit the Strawberry Square Atrium to meet public safety professionals, learn about educational opportunities available in public safety fields and discuss the capabilities involved in protecting the public.
"We're excited to bring all of these safety professionals to Strawberry Square to share their knowledge and expertise," said Brad Jones, President and CEO, of Harristown Enterprises, Inc. "Harrisburg, particularly as the state capital is fortunate to have a multitude of public safety experts in a wide variety of disciplines. Having them share information to help individuals and families keep themselves safe is proactive, and sharing educational opportunities in these fields is exciting for the next generation of public safety professionals."
Law enforcement, fire, rescue, emergency and incident management teams were in attendance to share information and insights on the services that they provide to the public.
“The value of this is we want people to be survivors not victims," said Patrick Shaull, Director of Security and Risk Assessment of Harrisburg Property Services. "With these subject matter experts here today they can gain some information to give them tips and insight on how to prepare for a man-made or natural disaster or what to do when they're they're having a real challenge and these folks come to help.”
Those involved today called the event a practical example of a proactive approach to public safety.
"The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire is always happy to partner with Strawberry Square to provide impactful fire and life safety discussions with our community partners," said Brian Enterline, Chief of the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire. "The Public Safety Day is 'bringing the fire station to the Square,' and will provide for an interactive environment to reach a significant number of residents of Harrisburg and the Region."
The Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank also hosted a blood drive at the event from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The non-profit organization's mission is to promote, secure and coordinate the region's blood supply and supply local hospitals.