Photos: Rochester hosts ‘Touch a Truck’ event
Oct 13, 2019
Zach, 20 months sits in the driver’s seat of an ambulance. Photos by: Kenneth Borges.
Evan, 9, tries on some firefighter gear with Jeff Eldridge.
Gallagher made balloon guitars for Cole (left) and Evan (right).
Junior Firefighters Lauren Eldridge (left) and Marina Stephens (right) at their booth at the “Touch a Truck” event.
Although not old enough to drive, this girl took to the front seat of a fire truck.
Rochester Lions Club President Justin Gallagher made balloon animals for kids at the event.
ROCHESTER — For the third year in a row, the Rochester Fire Department and Lions Club teamed up for the “Touch a Truck“ event at the Rochester Country Fair Grounds on Sunday Oct. 13.
Donations and food sales at the annual event helps fund the Junior Firefighters Program, that teaches firefighting skills to local teenagers. On Oct. 13 children got to explore a variety of fire trucks, ambulances, and other large vehicles to help support their local fire department.
“I think it’s a great event because families get to come and enjoy these vehicles, which the kids absolutely love,” Said Rochester Lions Club President Justin Gallagher.
To add to the festivities, Gallagher made balloon animals (and guitars) for children who attended the event. He said that he has volunteered at the event for all three years.
Junior Firefighter Captain Lauren Eldridge explained that her group takes part in search and rescue drills, and responds to controlled “live burns” that help prepare students aged 14 to 18 for a career in firefighting.
This year’s event was originally scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12, but was postponed due to rain.
