The University will celebrate – and learn from – local heroes during its annual First Responders Day next Friday, Oct. 31.
During that morning, firefighters, police officers and emergency medical teams from across the region will visit campus to share information with the campus community about what they do.
The event is hosted by SFU’s Criminal Justice Club and Campus Police. It will transform the mall into a hands-on safety showcase.
“First Responders Day provides students, faculty and staff the opportunity to meet local first responders, see what they do, and view equipment up close,” said Mark Buckwalter, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and the lead organizer of the event.
“We are blessed to have outstanding first responders. They are willing to give their time to come to campus to talk about what they do.”
During the event, students can try on gear, test equipment, and take part in demonstrations.
“Do you want to climb the ladder truck, put on an air pack, bomb suit or raid jacket? This event has it all,” said Buckwalter.
SFU’s first First Responders Day was held in 2022. Since then, it has grown every year, bringing in new departments and specialized teams such as the Pennsylvania State Police Aviation and Bomb Tech units. Buckwalter said this year’s event is expected to be the biggest one yet.
All first responders are invited to a First Responders Mass at the chapel next Friday, followed by an appreciation lunch.
“I want the SFU community to be fully engaged with the many volunteers and professionals that visit campus,” Buckwalter said. “The lunch and Mass are our way of telling them, ‘thanks for your service.’”
For students, the event helps them understand how important these jobs are.
“It’s really inspiring to see how much first responders do for others,” said sophomore Nursing major Lindsey Carter. “It makes you appreciate the amount of training, teamwork and care that goes into keeping people safe.”