Residents of Lake Bluff, particularly the children, got an up close and personal look at what police officers and fire fighters do for the community at the annual Public Safety Open House Saturday at the police and fire station.

Besides watching a helicopter land in the park adjacent to the Public Safety Building, children got to sit inside a police car while trying the siren and lights. They also got to explore the fire trucks and slide down a fire pole.

Earlier: Lake Bluff Holds Public Safety Open House August 18

“It was cool to do down the poll,” Ben Mahler said. He was visiting with his family from Portland, OR. He has three cousins and an uncle who are fire fighters. One of them, Matt Kluchka, helped him slide down the poll.

Another youngster, Connor Hiwum of Lake Bluff got to see the inside of a police car. “It was so cooool,” he said. “They’re no handles in the back seat.” His father, Paul, had to explain people who are arrested are sometimes in the back of police cars and they cannot be able to get out.

There was also free lunch served by MESS (Metropolitan Emergency Support Services). These volunteers grilled hot dogs, hamburgers and cheeseburgers as well as roasting corn. This service is akin to what they provide fire fighters when they are battling a blaze.

“We give them aid and water when they (take their breaks),” Ellen Herring, one of the active volunteers, said. “They have to take a break every 20 minutes. We help keep them hydrated.”

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