The village streets were filled with families enjoying games, a bounce house, food, giveaways and especially the various law enforcement and first responder live demonstrations.

Children surrounded Emma Ward of the Jamestown Police Department and her comfort dog, Hope, for a chance to pet the quickly-growing pup, and learn how the JPD serves the community.

Everyone was drawn to Dana Kapuscinski, Chad Wright, Jason Beichner and Brian Hanner of the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office with their K-9s, Link and Bentley, who are trained to work with the sheriff’s team. The children loved interacting with the dogs, and the deputies spent time demonstrating what they do to make the communities safe.

Another highlight of the event was when the Stat MedEvac helicopter made a special appearance, landing right in the Safety Village parking lot. Once landed, the Stat MedEvac team greeted guests and even allowed children to sit in the cockpit and rear patient area of the helicopter.

Despite a busy day of life-saving transports and little rest, the team of flight medic Karen Good; flight nurse Micah Klaas; flight paramedic Amy Brookover; paramedic Shane Taylor; and pilot Paul Kelley took the time to show our community the invaluable services they provide.

Fire Chief Randy Gleason and volunteer firefighter Ralph Asel from the Ashville Fire Department showed up with a big, red fire truck and gave demonstrations and tours, which children of all ages loved. Several organizations from the local community were there to promote their services as well, including Catholic Charities, Aspire WNY, Prevention Works, Jamestown Community Learning Council, Chautauqua Children’s Gym, Children’s Educational Services and Little Seeds Preschool.

The Chautauqua Safety Village plans to hold its second annual Community Safety Day sometime in the spring or fall of 2022.

The Safety Village holds safety classes, outdoor movie nights, day camps, the annual Halloween and Easter carnivals that draw thousands of people. For the most up-to-date list of events, follow the Chautauqua Safety Village on Facebook and Instagram, and check out their website at chautauquasafetyvillage.com.