Annual Emergency Services Expo Saturday in Jefferson

This year's event is full of activities and displays for all ages with over 50 presenters and displays.

Jefferson Fire Expo this weekend

(JEFFERSON) - The 12th Annual Emergency Services Expo will be held on Saturday, from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM at the Jefferson High School grounds behind the stadium.

Activities include junior firefighter games, residential fire sprinkler demonstrations, "Safe Kids" games, fire safety house, as well as displays by the Forest Fire Lookout Association, Marion County Emergency Management, Fraud Awareness, and car seat safety.

Attendees can pose for a picture with Smokey Bear, Fire Pup as well as the Crash Dummies, Vince and Larry. Free blood pressure checks will be available.

Jefferson in '37 Photo: Salem Library

Free Emergency flashlight/tool kits will be distributed while supplies last. Two air ambulances, Reach 8 and Life Flight, will be landing during the event. Both helicopters will be available for the public to tour.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office will be displaying their Marine Patrol Boat, Bomb Squad, Search and Rescue units, patrol unit, and will be demonstrating the skills of their K-9 Unit.

Jefferson Firefighters on a break during a fire

Santiam Canyon 9-1-1, Pacific Power, Operation Lifesaver, Oregon Fire Museum, Salem Hospital, Albany Fire Department Hazmat, Marion County Environmental Services, Greater Jefferson Community Center, Office of State Fire Marshal, Albany General Hospital, MADD-Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Jefferson Parks and Rec, Jefferson Together!, Linn County Sheriff's Office, American Red Cross, Santiam Memorial Hospital, Peer Court, Marion County Health, No meth - Not in My Neighborhood, and Oregon Department of Transportation will also be in attendance.

Child fingerprinting kits will also be available.

Oregon State Police Patrol units, SWAT Truck, Fish and Wildlife, Armored Truck, Collision Reconstruction Vehicle, and a Deer Decoy will be also be on hand for the crowd.

A bike rodeo will be conducted with lots of prizes and a limited supply of bike helmets to be given away.

Children are encouraged to bring their bicycle, however extra bicycles will be available for children to use.

Public education in safety and prevention is vital to reducing the number of injuries, deaths, and crimes.

The event is sponsored by the Jefferson Fire District and the Jefferson Volunteer Firefighter Association.

Directions to the event: I-5 North Jefferson Exit #244, drive 5 miles east on Jefferson Hwy 99E.

The photo at right of a young Jefferson resident receiving a lifesaving award may attest to the effectiveness of such programs. Parents are encouraged to bring their kids and kids are asked to tell others. The event is truly fun and informative and it will give those who attend an edge if they ever need to help save a life.