First responders from across the region gathered on the campus mall on Oct. 23 for the University’s annual First Responders Day.
The event was hosted by SFU’s Criminal Justice Club. Other groups involved in organizing the event included the SFU Police Department and the University’s Residence Life Office.
Volunteers from the Cresson, Loretto and Nanty Glo Fire Departments, staff members from the Attorney General’s Office, local police officers, staff members from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, members of the Pennsylvania State Police, and employees from local Emergency Medical Service units were all in attendance at last month’s event.
The event provided students the chance to engage with first responders and better understand their roles.
It was also an occasion to thank first responders for their service and make connections for future jobs and internships.
“It’s a good opportunity to meet with first responders and see the equipment they use,” said Criminal Justice Associate Professor Mark Buckwalter, who led the effort to organize the event.
“What they do is important. At some point, someone is going to need them.”
The first responders who spent the day at SFU enjoyed interacting with students and faculty at the event. Students had the opportunity to crawl through a “smokehouse” and experience an ambulance driving simulator.
For the students interested in going in this direction in their careers, the opportunity to network was important.
Sophomore Criminal Justice Club member Christopher Smith appreciated the event.
‘It shows support to the first responders and all the amazing things they do for us,” Smith said. “It’s important for the community to connect with them and build a better understanding of what they do.”
The event included a police helicopter landing on the mall.
Buckwalter gave credit to the Criminal Justice Club members for their efforts to organize the event.
“It’s a growing and thriving club,” he said.
