McGruff the Crime Dog will be on hand at Saturday’s Fire Safety Day. (Stock photo)

City-Times Staff

The Park Ridge Fire Department is holding its annual Fire Safety Day on Saturday, Oct. 4- and this year, it’s bigger than ever.

The department is promoting Fire Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 5-11.

Fire crews will be on hand at Walgreens, 10 Park Ridge Drive, from 10 AM- 2 PM. Planned activities include the department’s smoke house, 911 call training and window escape for children and adults. Proper use of a fire extinguisher and CPR demonstrations will also be provided.

The department’s fire trucks will also be on display and kids can get their photo taken behind the wheel. The event is free and open to the public.

But this year, according to Fire Chief Brian Lepper, more events and guests will be part of the event.

Portage County Emergency Management and the Sheriff’s Office will be on hand beginning at 11 AM, offering digital fingerprinting and photo ID cards for kids. McGruff the Crime-Fighting Dog will also be on the scene.

The Portage County Child Passenger Safety Association and SPASH Future Farmers of America (FFA) will also have booths in the parking lot.

Walgreens will offer samples of pizza, candy and ice cream. Lepper said the department expects about 250 children during the event.