(Lawrenceville, Ga., October 4, 2016) – The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services and Gwinnett County Police Department are pleased to announce the 7^th Annual  Public Safety Fall Festival to  be held on Saturday, October 8, 2016.  This year’s festival and FD vs. PD softball tournament will take place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., at Coolray Field (home of the Gwinnett Braves) in Lawrenceville.  While admission into the festival and softball tournament is free, organizers are asking those planning to attend to please bring a can food donation to help support the North Gwinnett Cooperative Ministries.

The festival celebrates the partnership between public safety and the community – and serves as a fun way for citizens to interact with fire and police personnel in a non-emergency environment.  “All Gwinnett County residents are encouraged to join us for this fun, free event,” said Gwinnett Fire Captain Tommy Rutledge. The event also includes a best two out of three friendly game of softball between firefighters and police officers.  Come and show your support for your favorite public safety team and learn about fire safety and crime prevention.  The event features over 100 exhibitors from other public safety partners.

The festival has a lot to offer the community to include various public safety displays from fire and police. These specialized units include: SWAT Team, Police K-9’s, Motor Cycle Unit, Police Aviation/Helicopter, Fire Trucks, Swiftwater Rescue Boat, Hazardous Materials Unit and Technical Rescue Unit.  Firefighters and police officers will be on hand to share vital tips about fire safety, crime prevention, personal safety and injury prevention.  Free car seat checks will also be conducted by Safe Kids Gwinnett.  Both agencies are coming together to promote safety and to encourage community partnerships.

An area will be set aside that’s geared specifically for children and will include moonwalks, face painting, mobile fire safety house and other fun-filled activities.  A Georgia Cool Cruisers Car Show will also be part of the activities for automotive enthusiasts.  The car show will be located in the parking lot adjacent to the stadium entrance. 

In addition to the fanfare promoting safety, firefighters will attempt to redeem themselves against the police to win this year’s softball matchup.  A combined public safety Honor Guard will present colors prior to the start of the games.  

The media is asked to please help get the word out about the event and share the attached flier and below PSA video links promoting the event with various audiences.  The media is also invited to attend on the day of the festival.  There will be plenty of visual opportunities for video, still photographs and interviews with public safety officials and citizens. 

For more information, please contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction-Education Section at (678) 518-4845 or e-mail fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com.

PSA Video Links Promoting the PSFF:

English:

https://vimeo.com/183034215/1f2d23c859

https://vimeo.com/183034214/3455d4a3d5

Spanish:

https://vimeo.com/183647403/abfaa68d93

Romanian:

https://vimeo.com/183647440/0ac3be762b