Worland will have its first Safe Community Day in a decades-long stretch this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Newell Sargent Park.
Washakie County Emergency Management/Homeland Security Director Kami Neighbors said the idea for the event was brought up by Worland Police Chief Gabe Elliott during a Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting. “Back in the day it had been a hit, maybe 20-plus years ago, and we just thought it would be fun to bring it back. People liked it in the past, so hopefully they will enjoy it today,” she said.
Worland Police Department, Washakie County Public Health, Washakie County Sheriff’s Office, Worland Volunteer Fire Department and Washakie County Emergency Management put the event together, with help from Cody Regional Health Ambulance, Washakie Medical Center, Wyoming Highway Patrol, Bureau of Land Management Fire and Law Enforcement, Washakie Prevention Coalition, Cloud Peak Counseling, Guardian Flight, and Washakie County Search and Rescue.
“I think it’s just a chance for people to meet first responders and other people in the community who help keep them safe,” Neighbors said. “They’re not people that you normally meet, sometimes you only meet them if you’re having a bad day, so it’s kind of fun to meet them on a good day.”
Participants will have the opportunity to see taser demonstrations, be sprayed by a fire hose from the ladder truck, tour a Guardian Flight helicopter, watch a Search and Rescue drone demo, and possibly get a free bike helmet from the giveaway. The event is free to enjoy, with food available for purchase from Matamaros Grilling, The Other Store, Pizza Hut and shaved ice.
“It’ll be lots of fun, we have events for everyone. Kids love first responders and looking at all the cool equipment. I think adults will like the taser demonstration and drone display, so it’s something for everyone,” Neighbors said.