FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
Ask any group of elementary school-aged kids what they want to be when they grow up and more than a few will say, "firefighter" or "policeman."
At Fort Eustis, Service members, DOD civilians and family members learned what firefighters from the 733rd Civil Engineer Division and military police from the 221st MP Detachment do every day whether at home or deployed, Sept. 10 during Community Day.
The firefighters and MPs had multiple displays and activities open to the community, including a fully-equipped fire truck, a Surrey trailer, or fire safety house, an exercise in apprehending an MP in a padded suit, a paintball firing range and equipment displays.
Participants also had access to pamphlets and fliers containing important information about fire prevention, carbon monoxide poisoning and techniques to put out a fire if possible. Peter Taylor, 733rd CED fire department lieutenant, believes giving the public information as often as possible will keep them safe.
"We hold these events about four to five times a year," said Taylor. "The more often the general public can train, the more likely it is they will be able to either stop a fire before it starts or save themselves and call for help."
Taylor said having a fun learning environment helps children absorb the training better, and they won't be as afraid when they are in danger.
"We let the kids move around the fire truck, honk the horn and put on our helmets because we want them to trust us," said Taylor. "Also, it gives us a chance to interact with the public and see the children having a good time learning."
Spc. Gary Greene, 221st MP Det. patrolman, said these interactions build trust between officers and the community while reinforcing the protection capabilities of military police.
"We want the community to get a gist of what we do every day," said Greene. "Giving them access to parts of our career shows the community we will keep them safe and lessens any fear they might have of us."
Furthermore, Greene said the community can get to know its protectors so they know who to turn to if a dangerous situation arises.
"We want them to come to us for help, whether we are in uniform or not," said Greene. "If they can trust us at any instance to help them, the relationship within the community improves, and we can protect them better."
Protecting and serving as a first responder can be dangerous, however, thanks to community days, Taylor and Greene both believe the Fort Eustis community will continue to stay safe, strong and willing to seek the assistance of these everyday heroes.