There was plenty to see and do for both youngsters and oldsters at the North Royalton Safety Fair which was held on Saturday, May 21, at Fire Station Number One on Royalton Road.
Youngsters got to climb in and on the Fire Engines that the North Royalton Fire Department had parked outside. They got to converse with “Coastie” a talking tugboat from the Ohio Division of Watercraft. In addition, the North Royalton Police Department has one of its motorcycles parked inside the Fire Station, with its lights flashing.
It also gave parents and grandparents the chance to talk with friends and neighbors. Plus, it allowed them to thank North Royalton’s first responders for the job that they do and in some cases show their appreciation for life-saving assistance they may have given them.
“This may be the biggest crowd that we have ever had in the 20 years that we have done the Safety Fair,” said Kathy Salvo, administrative assistant in the North Royalton Fire Department, who puts the Safety Fair together. “It’s rewarding to see everyone happy and smiling and learning at the same time.”
“It’s good to see so many kids here,” said Assistant Chief Thomas Habak, who also serves as Fire Marshall for the city of North Royalton. “Through all the information we have here, if we are able to save the life of one kid or one family then it’s been worth it.”
North Royalton City Council President Larry Antoskiewicz said the turnout shows the amount of support city residents have for first responders. “I think we have one of the best Fire Departments/Paramedic groups. They are all well-trained. They take a compassionate approach when they go out on their calls. I know our police aren’t as popular because of the kind of work that they do. But, they also do a very good job. Events like this give residents an opportunity to talk with the officers. What they do is to have the safety of the residents of North Royalton on their mind at all times.”
The Safety Fair also gave children the chance to get up close and personal with a fire engine. In the 20 years that the Safety Fair has been in existence, crawling on and in a fire truck is a guaranteed child magnet. Five-year old Kate Pokorny was talking with “Coastie” about rules that should be followed while in a boat, like wearing a life jacket when you’re on board. But, when asked what was the most fun she had at the Safety Fair, she said, “going inside the fire truck.”
The only thing that brought more children to the Royalton Road entrance was to watch two fire engines and a paramedic unit put their flashing red lights on and hear the sirens blaring as firefighters answered an unexpected emergency call.
Another interactive game that drew children and parents alike was from AT & T. It showed the consequences of texting and driving. While some youngsters looked at the experience as a game, others concentrated and were able to ignore the text message sign on the computer screen while they were driving.
Other units on hand were the North Royalton CERT, Zambelli Fireworks, the Bomb Squad with its robot and the Fire Safety House.
The only unit that didn’t make it was the Life Flight helicopter which was grounded because of the weather.
If you didn’t make this year’s North Royalton Safety Fair, make a mental note to visit the Fair in 2017. You, and you’re children will be glad you did.

By JOE JASTRZEMSKI
Contributing Writer