National Night Out connects first responders, agencies with community

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Medina firefighters Brian Bates (left), a paramedic/firefighter, and Lt. Jake Crooks hand out plastic firefighter helmets to kids at the National Night Out on Tuesday outside the Clifford Wise Intermediate School. Medina firefighters also gave bags with fire prevention tips for kids.

Medina hosted the National Night Out for the fifth time on Tuesday, and drew several hundred people. First responders and agencies from throughout the county were there to run activities and answer questions from residents.

Paul Urquart, a Medina firefighter, helps Jace Boyle, 10, of Medina aim a fire hose at a target.

Mila McAdoo, 4, of Medina throws a ball at the dunk tank target. She was able to get Shawn Ramsey, owner of Canalside Tattoo Company, to plunge into the water.

Christy Gross, who works at a salon at the Walmart in Albion, gives Blair, age 5, a haircut. Gross offered free haircuts during National Night Out.

Orleans County Sheriff’s deputy Jeff Cole and Odin, the department’s K9, did demonstrations during NNO. Odin has been trained and is certified for drug detection, tracking and searches.

Sherrie Bensley, public health educator for GO Health, serves pizza that was donated by Mark’s Pizzeria. Mark’s donated 20 sheet pizzas for the event.

Bensley was co-chair of the NNO Committee with Diana Fulcomer of UConnectCare. Other committee members include Alishia Foss and Taryn Moyle of Community Action, Jess Marciano of the Village of Medina, and Danielle Figura of the Orleans County Mental Health Department.

Bensley said National Night Out builds connections in the community.

“I think it’s very important for our youth to see our first responders in action and form a relationship,” she said. “They see they are the good guys.”

Taryn Moyle, Alishia Foss and Danielle Figura were busy serving pizza donated by Mark’s. The pizza was a change from previous years when hot dogs were given out for free.

This kid fires a fastball at the dunk tank target, trying to get Shawn Ramsey wet.

Fire departments and law enforcement agencies gave people a chance to see equipment up close.