Lighthouse Christian Academy’s students learn from local responders

On Tuesday, May 14, Lighthouse Christian Academy’s students became familiar with different realms of safety during the beautiful outside weather.

Without realizing it, the event at Grace Bible Church was planned coinciding with National Police Week. More than 95 students from Lakeview Christian Academy participated in different “sections” where local police officers, deputies, fire department members, and emergency personnel presented and interacted with the groups.

The Grand Rapids Police Department brought canine Murphy to highlight some of his training seeking out drug paraphernalia. The students passed around his bullet-proof vest and the kids laughed and shrieked in joy when Murphy found the right box and a tennis ball popped out of it, rewarding him for his work.

The Sheriff’s department brought a boat and highlighted some boat and water safety, telling students the importance of life jackets and what to do if someone happens to go overboard.

The Grand Rapids Fire Department showcased a fire truck and went through the many pieces of equipment inside and what they use that equipment for.

At the event, both Meds 1 and the GRFD got called away, highlighting their importance in the community. The students watched them drive off to assist in the calls they received.

Later in the day, Guardian Flight showed up in their helicopter and the students asked questions for nearly an hour, “It was very educational,” according to Ruth and Greg Tatter.

The entire purpose of the event was to increase familiarity with local responders and learn what they do. Greg Tatter said that they wanted the students to see something different while gaining knowledge in an important aspect of our community: safety.