Participants inspecting a State Police Helicopter.
The Pennsylvania State Police recently hosted the first Sunny Day Camp at the Greene County Fairgrounds. One of only sixteen locations across the United States, the Day Camp for Special Needs adults and children was a great success.
State Police, along with local and area law enforcement officers, spent the day interacting with these individuals in a variety of ways. The camp was based on the principles of their Cadet Program.
Trooper Melinda Bondarenka, Troop B Community Affairs Officer, and Director of Greene County Emergency Services, Richie Policz, coordinated the event to allow individuals, parents, caretakers, and volunteers access to First Responders.
Allegheny Life Flight, fire trucks, ambulances and police cars were open for up close inspections. A search and rescue team (SERT) with a highly trained canine was on hand. A Mountain Rescue Ranger demonstrated how a drone is used to support first responders in search operations.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation had a fur display which garnered a great deal of interest. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offered information on aquatic animals and had a fun fishing game to play for prizes.
The troopers who attended with their majestic horses were a crowd favorite. Also on hand was a member of a bomb squad who discussed an explosive ordnance disposal robot that disarms bombs and suspicious devices. Greene County Sheriff Marcus Simms, his staff, and K9 Deputy Snoop were also present at the event.
Agencies like Pathways, Pittsburgh Poison Control and the Mental Health Association of Washington County were on hand to discuss various support services that empower these individuals in their everyday lives.
Morris Township Fire Chief Jeff Lash grilled burgers and dogs for lunch. Greene County Human Services and Walmart employees helped serve lunch to the large group. An extra treat of cotton candy and shaved ice was served after lunch as a cool down to a hot, busy day.
The newly crowned queens and princesses from the Greene County Fair and Rain Day Festival added to the festivities by helping to direct individuals to each station. D.J. Dave Plavi was on hand providing the music for the event.
The afternoon ended with each participant receiving a medal and a certificate. Cheers, applause and shouts of encouragement for each individual and the first responders who made this day possible echoed throughout the hall.
“It was a very successful day of many groups coming together to provide this unique experience for our Special Need Individuals in Greene County,” stated Richie Policz, “I look forward to working with the PSP in the future to bring other programs like this to our area.”
A special thanks goes out to sponsors of this event: Hello 2 Hope, Baily Insurance, HOT LLC (Fire Extinguisher Sales Service & Training), American Legion Post 954 Auxiliary, First Federal, Michael’s Auto Sales, Raising Cane’s, Chuck’s Collison Shop, Pathways, Family Ties, Eat’n Park, Waynesburg Walmart, Washington Sam’s Club and, of course, the Pennsylvania State Police.
