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A fun day with first responders seeks to improve community connections, especially with those having disabilities

Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil is among those strongly advocating for better relations between citizens and the first responders who serve them.
Tom Flanigan
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil is among those strongly advocating for better relations between citizens and the first responders who serve them.

For many people, including those with disabilities, contacts with police and other first responders are often confined to emergency situations. The entire community will have a chance to meet local first responders this Saturday, July 12 from 11 until 2 in a fun, no-stress environment.

That environment will be Maclay Gardens State Park. Cathy Zemko is the director of FSU's Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. She said the idea is to better connect her center's clients and the whole community with those who help in times of trouble.

"Having our individuals be able to meet the actual people they may encounter in case of emergency. So establishing that nice friendly relationship before you're in any kind of crisis, that's one of our main goals."

Members of the Leon County Sheriff's Department, Emergency Management, fire and ambulance personnel along with many others will be there. Admission to the park and everything offered at the fun day is free of charge.

https://fsucard.com/events/community-event-first-responders-fun-day/

Follow @flanigan_tom

Tom Flanigan has been with WFSU News since 2006, focusing on covering local personalities, issues, and organizations. He began his broadcast career more than 30 years before that and covered news for several radio stations in Florida, Texas, and his home state of Maryland.

Find complete bio, contact info, and more stories. here.