Sparta National Night Out: bigger and better

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The Sparta National Night Out was a complete success according to Sparta Mayor Kevin Riley.  “Last year was primarily first responders, but this year it was bigger and better”, Riley said. There was a long list of awesome groups that showed up for the event, to include the Sparta Police, Monroe County Sheriff, Wisconsin State Patrol, Sparta Area Fire, and Sparta Area Ambulance. The first responders were joined by the Fort McCoy Police and the Canadian Pacific Police Departments as well.

Fort McCoy brought along a rough terrain vehicle that they use out on the rough training area roads. The Canadian Railroad Police presented safety information of interest, concerning railroads.  Their stated mission is the 3-Es, education, enforcement, and engineering.  The Sparta Area Ambulance Service even brought along vintage ambulances from 1958 and a 1977. While the modern ambulances are better outfitted, the ambulance drivers said that the older versions were sleeker and faster.  Throughout the 4 hour event, lots of horns and sirens blared as kids of all ages were able to climb into the first responder’s vehicles. They were kings and commanders in those moments.

         Reinforcing the mayor’s comment, the first responders were joined by numerous area support agencies. Medical support activities included Mayo Clinic, Gunderson Health Systems, Scenic Bluff Clinic and the County Health Department, just to name a few. Children and adults were able to climb on heavy construction equipment provided by P.E.R. towing, Brooks Excavating and Anderson Construction.  Numerous other agencies that support the community were on hand to include the Boy and Girl Scouts, Southwest Bus Service, FAA and more, bringing the total to more than 32 agencies. Miss Sparta was sighted at the FAA activity. Door prizes were also given out, and the more agencies someone visited, the more chances they had of winning.

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