Fire and police departments from across West Virginia made some noise Wednesday in Charleston for the start of the 2013 Public Safety Expo.
The four day event began Wednesday morning in Charleston at the Civic Center and included a time for residents to show their appreciation with the public safety parade that featured a large number of law enforcement vehicles and fire trucks taking to the streets.
The expo will feature a variety of well-known experts from across the country speaking and providing expert training to the police, fire and ems personnel.
Mark Strickland, Captain/Paramedic with the Charleston Fire Department, said it’s about networking.
“You get to meet guys from around the area, around the county and around the state, share ideas and concepts that aren’t being done here, that are new opportunities to learn,” said Strickland.
Strickland said this event gives first responders an opportunity to better serve their community.
Rand Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Bill White said this event helps first responders expand their mental capabilities, something responders should be striving to do all the time.
“It’s just a good thing to come down here and just keep progressing along,” said White. “I think that when you get to where you think you don’t need anymore training, it’s probably time to get out.”
White said he has been attending the expo since its beginnings and always learns something new in each one.
The expo will run through Saturday night.