Piermont Kindergartners Learn Public Safety

Piermont youngsters had the opportunity Friday to learn the best way to operate a stretcher, how to remotely defuse a bomb and when horse-mounted police are best employed.

But their favorite part of the day was likely Gibson, a three-year-old, bomb-sniffing Yellow Lab.

Piermont held its eighth annual Public Safety Day at Goswick Pavilion this morning, bringing in some 250 kindergartners from the South Orangetown School District to meet area firefighters, police and EMT workers.

"When people usually come in contact with us, it's during a car accident or fire," explained Michael O'Shea, Piermont's chief of police. "But today, the kids get to interact with public safety officers and there are no negative overtones."

Kids had the opportunity to see a ladder truck in action, tour the inside of emergency vehicles and listen to officials talk about their line of duty. Among the more popular attractions were the Sheriff Department's bomb-defusing robot—which is operated remotely and can be equipped with cameras and weapons—and Gibson, who was more than happy to mingle with a gaggle of impressed youngsters.

The year's Public Safety Day—and all others going forward—was dedicated to the honor of Tom Walters, a former Piermont fire chief. Walters was also a marine and long-time teacher.

"He provided a great service to the community," said Chris Sander, Piermont's mayor.