If all goes according to plan, you’ll be able to experience the world of policing from the inside out.
What happens to a person (or crash test dummy) who is not wearing a seat-belt when a vehicle rolls? The ‘roll-over simulator’ will demonstrate.
What’s it like to navigate an obstacle course while impaired? Special ‘drunk goggles’ will give you an idea.
The Salmon Arm RCMP are holding a Police Fair, Auction and Community Appreciation Day on Sunday, May 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Shaw Centre.
Although not all the demonstrations can be confirmed ahead of time, features of the day planned include: a chance to see inside a police car and the special truck used by a traffic accident analyst; radar speed testing of baseball throws; finding fingerprints and clues with the forensic identification section; photos with a police horse ridden by an officer in red serge; a demonstration by police dog services; a possible visit from the police helicopter and the underwater recovery team; a look at the police boat; and a chance to see the police tactical team – or riot squad – and the emergency response team.
Along with using the ‘drunk goggles,’ visitors can also try driving a scooter as well as texting while driving to see how many cones they knock down.
There will also be an opportunity to find out more about auxiliary constables, citizens’ patrol, victim services and becoming a police officer.
Also taking place will be a barbecue and bake sale.
In addition to providing a chance for police to thank the community for its support, proceeds of the day’s admission-by-donation will go to four-year-old Megan Leverrier.
She is in Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children awaiting a liver transplant made necessary by a rare tumour growing on her liver.
Her father, Jaimie Leverrier, is a police office with the Salmon Arm detachment.
Both he and her mom, Michelle, her little brother Gavin and her grandparents have been staying in Toronto.
“The main reason that we’re doing it is to raise funds, but it’s also a good opportunity to come and meet everyone and interact with the police in a positive light,” says Const. Mike Dibblee, a good friend of Leverrier’s and one of the event’s organizers.
Also at the police fair will be a live and silent auction as well as Miracle for Megan bracelets, both fundraisers for the family.
Once Megan receives a transplant, she and her family will have to stay three to four months in Toronto.
On May 14, her family posted on the Miracle for Megan Facebook page that Megan had walked by herself the day before.
“She couldn’t be prouder and we couldn’t be prouder!” they wrote. “Megan is also getting over a cold right now so she is on hold for a transplant until her symptoms have passed (not so great news).
She is also scheduled for a cat scan this week to see how her liver looks.”
