Students line up to see inside a Vernon North Okanagan RCMP vehicle at the Emergency Services Showcase at Polson Park. (Liam Verster/Vernon Matters Staff)

By Liam Verster

hands-on learning

Educators, students pleased with return of Emergency Services Showcase

Sep 28, 2022 | 8:00 AM

School District 22 students flocked to Polson Park by the busload for the return of the Emergency Services Showcase.

Students and teachers, as well as members of the public, were able to get up close to view the vehicles and equipment used by local RCMP, Fire Services, SWAT, Search and Rescue and B.C. Ambulance at the event Tuesday, Sept. 27.

Attendees also gathered around for Police Service Dog take down and fire rescue vehicle extraction demonstrations.

READ MORE: Hundreds attend Emergency Services Showcase in Polson Park

Speaking with Vernon Matters, several local teachers said the event was a great experience for the students.

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“These real life experiences are so much better than just sitting in a classroom and reading a piece of paper, so to have the kids be able to be here and be able to have that hands-on experience, because I know a lot of my students are big hands-on learners, was just a really, really cool way to show them this. Then maybe have those conversations after about what did you learn, what were your wonders and did you find those answers?” Matt Scholz, a Grade 6/7 teacher at Harwood Elementary, said.

It was also noted having events like this could inspire kids to pursue a career in one of these fields.

“It gives [the students] a chance to see the different ways they can contribute to their community and society, and it’s nice to put faces to the different services that we need. I feel like these people are heroes out here and great role models, and it was great to see the kids connect with them and see that,” said Chad Soon, a teacher at Mission Hill Elementary. He said back in class he and his students will discuss their experiences from meeting these individuals and seeing the equipment in person.

Additionally, the event served as a venue for both students and local citizens to meet first responders face to face.

Scholz said some kids have only had to deal with first responders during emergency situations and this event gave them the opportunity to meet those individuals in a less stressful environment.

“I think every person, adult and student, needs to know what is available in their community, how to access it and the services offered,” said Lori Knepp, an educational assistant at Hillview Elementary.

The educators noted the students were most pleased with the Police Service Dog take down demonstration, though they also seemed to have a good time exploring the vehicles on site and learning more about the equipment used by local emergency personnel.

RCMP Const. Chris Terleski told Vernon Matters members hope to hold a similar event next fall.

The Emergency Services Showcase was held in 2018 and 2019 but cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic.