Parma Safety Fair 2024

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On August 17 the City of Parma held the always popular annual Safety Fair at the Parma Justice Center. This event features hands on displays and presentations by police, fire, rescue and medical services arranged so that the public can interact in such a way that they are much better informed about the various operations of the vital functions provided by these public servants. Lots of families were in attendance, participating at each exhibit, learning all about the function of our various safety forces in real life situations. 

Since the community had experienced the devastating effects of a storm and subsequent tornado over a widespread area of the city on August 6, which resulted in significant power loss for several days, the timing of this Safety Fair was more or less perfect. It helped to emphasis the point that the residents of Parma have a close connection to our safety forces, and appreciate their hard work ad dedication to public safety that these public servants exhibit day in and day out. 

One of the more popular events during the Safety Fair is the live landing and takeoff of the University Hospitals medical chopper. Once it lands, people flock around and observe the functions of this vital piece of equipment as the crew shows and explains the process and procedures of what is involved in a life flight. Most people are amazed, and also hope to never find out personally what it is like to be rescued onboard this machine. 

I saw Parma Police Chief James Blair circulating among the citizens, and we had a discussion about the vital role the Annual Safety Fair serves to maintain a connection between the safety forces and the people they serve, in a real personal way. We both agreed that it is one of the things that makes Parma a special place, and a city which enjoys the status of being one of the safest cities in Ohio. this is no coincidence- they receive strong support from the public and return excellent service, which is most appreciated.