Celebration for special needs kids at Point Mallard

DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) — Decatur Fire and Rescue hosted their Special Needs Summer Celebration at Point Mallard Water Park on Friday.

Over 200 children and families attended the event. Lt. Brandon Syvlley and Decatur Fire and Rescue have hosted similar events at the water park since 2021 but this is their first summer celebration.

“Those kids want to have fun, it’s summer,” said Syvlley. “We just wanted to make this opportunity for the kids to come out and have a carefree day.”

The station hosts annual Christmas and Halloween celebrations for families with special needs and based on their success, Syvlley decided to start a summer tradition.

“We’re fortunate enough to have a very large special needs population,” said Syvlley. “To have a day set aside for them, I think it helps the families get out and have their own special day.”

Despite thunderstorms delaying the event until 1 p.m., the waterpark was packed with families and volunteers from the department.

Syllvey said the positive reaction from kids and parents keeps him coming back each year.

“When you see these kids and the excitement in their eyes, when they run up and hug you and thank you for doing these kinds of events, it’s kind of a no-brainer,” he said.

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