- December 5, 2024
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Lt. Steve Ryckman with East Manatee Fire Rescue helped Lakewood Ranch's Avery Cruz put on a self-contained breathing apparatus.
"Do you think you can wear that for an hour?" Ryckman asked Cruz.
"No," said the 10-year-old Cruz, who slouched over from the weight of the apparatus.
Ryckman went on to show Cruz and his 3-year-old brother, Grayson Cruz, other features of the East Manatee Fire Rescue firetruck.
The firetruck was one of several emergency service and first responder vehicles sitting outside Lakewood Ranch Town Hall Oct. 7 for Safety Town.
Safety Town gave children an opportunity to meet first responders and learn about the services they provide for the community.
Lakewood Ranch's Nicole and Bill Schorn said their sons, 5-year-old Liam and 3-year-old Landon, loved the firefighter hats and whistles they received before getting to sit in the driver's seat of the firetruck.
Nicole Schorn said it's important to introduce children to first responders.
"Exposing the kids to it will get them excited and more interested in learning about safety," she said.