Engines, Sirens and Smiles!
The sounds of horns and sirens, along with the children’s voices on the police PA system filled the air of the Merrick Library parking lot on Sept 6, as the young men and women supported by the Children’s Residential Program (CRP) attended Long Island’s largest Touch-A-Truck event
Throughout the afternoon, the children explored about 40 different kinds of vehicles, including police cars and construction vehicles, enjoying the chance to learn about local service providers alongside friends and neighbors.
At the Nassau County Sheriff Emergency Response truck, Faith O’Hare-Dunphy, who resides at the Johnson Place residence, asked a team member about the equipment on display, including their helmets and face shields
Faith was joined by her roommate Natalia Paolini and together the two explored the truck and enjoyed walking from booth to booth collecting giveaways. The pair even posed for a picture alongside a New York State Police officer and his motorcycle.
Meanwhile AJ Capra and Matthew Armstrong were fans of a loader truck. Both had the opportunity to sit in the driver’s seat and make some noise with the horn.
More than just a great afternoon, the event offered the children the opportunity to connect with their broader community, meet local service providers and get up close with vehicles that they see every day on the roads of Long Island.
The Touch-a-Truck event is just one of the many activities this fall that the children have planned to stay active and involved in community life.