Hundreds of local kids got the opportunity to get up close and personal with Elmwood Park vehicles they often would see from a distance.
Vehicles from police cars and fire engines to street sweepers and garbage trucks were parked behind the Elmwood Park Public Library July 30, part of the library’s Touch A Truck event.
Omar Ramirez, a youth services librarian, organized the event to give young and old toy truck lovers a chance to see real ones up close. Participants were able to interact with those who operate the various vehicles and ask questions.
Angelina Bonilla, 12, of Elmwood Park, was surprised how sophisticated the equipment inside of the vehicles looked. She especially enjoyed checking out the garbage truck.
“I thought there would be one or two things in there, but there are so many devices,” she said. “They explained to me how they use every tool in the garbage truck and how it worked.”
Stanley Borowiec, 10, of Chicago, said he also enjoyed checking out the garbage truck up close.
“I was fascinated by all the gadgets and buttons,” he said.
Kayle Mercado, 6, said she enjoyed checking out the fire engine, because her uncle is a Chicago firefighter.
“I got to go in a truck my uncle drives,” she said.
Crystal Caballero, 11, said she liked getting a look at the fire engine as well.
“I liked it because of the big gadgets and the hose that they had,” she said.
During the event, the fire engine had to leave to answer an emergency call, but did return to give kids some more time to explore.
Elmwood Park Fire Capt. Kevin Flaherty said the event was a good opportunity to interact with the youth and explain what a firefighter’s job is like.
“They climbed in and got a chance to see what we use up close,” he said. “The parents took a lot of pictures.”
He and his fellow firefighters enjoyed the turnout and the response from the youth at the event.
“It’s always fun to spend time with the kids and see their reaction,” he said.
Twitter: @DavidDPollard
