Touch-a-Truck a hit

SANDUSKY — Touch-A-Truck returned in full gear on Tuesday. Under the sunny skies, hundreds of people attended the family-friendly event around Battery Park and the Sandusky Bay Pavilion. Normally an annual summertime tradition, the event returned following a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19-related regulations. People, no matter adults or children, came out to meet local law enforcement officers and check out the vehicles vital for their jobs. Many kids appeared torn about which activities to partake in first: hopping in fire trucks, taking a swing on a miniature golf course or meeting up with the police dogs in attendance. For 9-year-old Gil Mulvin, he opted to initially greet the furry, four-legged officers. "I like petting the dogs," Gil said. "That's my favorite part." "It's our first time here," said Gil's mom, Amy Mulvin, of Norwalk. "He is really into anything police, and he's pretty happy about this." Gil interacted with Sandusky K-9 Viggo, who put on a demonstration for the crowd. The Erie County Sheriff's Office also introduced its new K-9, Ranger, who's training before being sworn in for service. Erie County Sheriff Paul Sigsworth enjoyed the event as much as Gil, greeting community members left and right. "The best part is getting to see everybody," said Sigsworth, who encouraged attendees to sit in their vehicles and get a better understanding of the police drones on display. "Getting the community out to see what we do, it's a great event." Tuesday's two-part event served two goals: • For Touch-A-Truck, organizers want to entertain children, their parents and others by bringing in several modes of transportation — law enforcement cruisers from across the region, fire trucks, race cars, construction vehicles and more — crisscrossing area roadways. Other than police cruisers and fire trucks, people could get an up-close view of garbage trucks, cranes and heavy farming machinery, all of which providing great photo ops. Eli, 9, Brooklyn, 6, and Gio, 3 of Huron all got their pictures snapped on the monstrous farm grader. "They really loved safety town," their mom Lindsey Vassallo said. "We were pretty excited about this." • For National Night Out, organizers want to empower community members by encouraging them to fight back against crime. "It's about getting people out and getting the community together," interim Sandusky fire Chief Jim Green said. Green and other city firefighters distributed water bottles and gave tours of two of Sandusky's fire trucks. "It's a great opportunity for the kids and families to take an active part in fire safety education." Kara Kingery, 10, of Oak Harbor was completely in her element. Kara — sporting a junior firefighter's outfit, complete with a bright red hat — took the wheel of a Sandusky fire truck. "She is obsessed with fire trucks," Kelly said. "She watches YouTube videos, has fire truck pajamas and fire truck dresses. She can't get enough of them." Kara, who got to ride a fire truck last year, was in awe of the fire engines. When asked if they would come next year, the Kingerys were enthusiastic. "Absolutely, we'll come every year they have it," Kelly said.