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Georgiana students enjoyed a first-hand view of what first responders go through each day during the Georgiana School and Georgiana Police Department-hosted “Kids, Cops and Military Day” held last Friday at the school’s doorsteps.

Georgiana Police Department Chief Carlton Cook said the event was an opportunity to “build a positive image” of the police and other first responders for young students.

“I think it was a great event for the kids and also a great opportunity for law enforcement to develop unity among the agencies,” Cook said. “The kids were exposed to all these things that can one day benefit their careers.”

Students were able to meet firefighters, police officers, members of the military and other first responders and watch many of them in action.

To kick the event off, an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency helicopter crew flew in and landed in a field near the school. Students also watched Montgomery Police Department motorcycle officers cruise through cones set up in the school parking lot and took on a football toss challenge at a tent set up by the United States Army.

Also represented were the Greenville, Evergreen and Hayneville police departments, the Butler County Sherriff’s Office, the Georgiana Fire Department, the Garland Volunteer Fire Department and the Alabama Forestry Commission.

The event also featured a keynote speaker, 1^st Sgt. Kayland Teemer from the U.S. Army.

Teachers took their classes around to each station, allowing them to view the inside of the helicopter, use the Garland VFD’s fire hose, and don plastic firefighter helmets offered by the GFD.

A Lifeflight helicopter also flew in to show students the tools of the air ambulance trade.

“An event like this builds positive relationships with the police and the youth, lets them look at the police as mentors, so they won’t be afraid of the police,” Cook concluded.