GLOUCESTER — You can meet horses, divers, and possibly helicopters this Saturday when local first responders get together for Cops for Kids with Cancer.
Local and state police, the U.S. Coast Guard, Boston MedFlight, and the American Red Cross will be just some of the participants in the fundraiser.
“Our first Community Safety Day was a huge success this fall, and we’re excited to participate again this summer,” Fire Chief Eric Smith said in a statement announcing the day.
“Cops for Kids with Cancer is a remarkable organization that helps local families in their greatest moments of need, and we’re happy to be able to help and be a part of this event,” he added.
“Being first responders, we’re always looking for ways to give back to the community, and cancer is something that it seems we’ve all been affected by one way or another,” said Gloucester police officer Joe Parady, who spearheaded the event.
“This is a way we can raise money to benefit families going through a difficult time, and for the community and first responders to pull together to help,” he added.
Police, fire, and law-enforcement officials from throughout northeastern Massachusetts have signed up to help.
Tours will be given of the U.S. Coast Guard Gloucester base, and visitors will also have a chance to view the U.S. Coast Guard’s boats.
Boston MedFlight intends to land a helicopter at the U.S. Coast Guard’s base, “contingent on weather and availability,” organizers said.
Gloucester school resource officers Peter Sutera and Mike Scola will also be at the event in a ‘dunk tank.’
There will be music, free hot dogs, and raffles featuring gift certificates and prizes from several local businesses.
The Chelsea Police Department’s ice cream truck will also give out 200 free ice cream bars at the event.
“In addition to supporting a great cause, this event offers a unique opportunity for the community to meet police, firefighters, and first responders in a fun setting, and to tour cruisers, firetrucks, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles up-close,” Police Chief Ed Conley said.
“It’s a great chance for us to show the resources we have available to respond in the event of an emergency.”
Organizers said people who cannot attend but wish to donate to the fundraiser can send checks can be made payable to “Cops for Kids with Cancer.”
The checks can be either mailed or brought in-person to the Gloucester Police Department, 197 Main Street. Mail should be addressed to Officer Joe Parady.
Meanwhile, on the day, donations will be accepted at both entrances to Harbor Loop for the duration of the Community Safety Day event which runs Saturday, July 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Participating agencies include:
- Gloucester Police
- Gloucester Fire
- U.S. Coast Guard
- Boston MedFlight
- State Police and State Police Horses
- Massachusetts Environmental Police
- Salem Police Dive Team
- Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) Motor Unit
- NEMLEC SWAT Team
- Essex Police
- Rockport Police
- Peabody Police
- Chelsea Police
- Ipswich police
- Endicott College Public Safety
- American Red Cross
Read Story: http://thelocalne.ws/2019/07/09/community-safety-day-to-benefit-kids-with-cancer/