Firefighters have much planned for event
Lake County's fire chiefs will mix fun with some serious messages at a free event Saturday outside Gurnee Mills.
It'll be the eighth annual Fire/Safety Expo from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festivities, hosted by the Lake County Fire Chiefs Association, will be in Gurnee Mills' parking lot west of Grand Avenue and the Tri-State Tollway.
Joseph Hubbard, deputy chief at the Newport Township Fire Protection District, said there will be many activities planned specifically for children.
"It would be a great thing for kids," Hubbard said. "The thing is to hit them with some public education and safety tips and entertain them."
Hubbard said kids will have the opportunity to dress in firefighting gear, then lug hoses and a stuffed toy as they go through an obstacle course. There also will be a fire pole that children can slide down.
Other highlights include:
•Rescue diving demonstrations in a pool. Kids will get to communicate with the divers while they are underwater.
•Fire trucks from all Lake County departments as well as vehicles and other devices used in specialty rescues.
•Helicopters from the U.S. Coast Guard and Flight for Life.
•Firefighters showing how they extricate someone trapped in a vehicle.
Hubbard said a ceremony honoring fallen firefighters and recognizing the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks will be at 11:30 a.m.
Food will be available for purchase at a stand operated by the Gagewood Lions Club. Hamburgers and bratwurst will be among the menu choices.
Eight or so ladder trucks will act as a beacon for visitors to easily find the event at Gurnee Mills.