Police, EMS and fire first responders gathered to greet their fans and encourage youngsters to inspect their equipment and sit in the driver’s seat at the 19th annual Heroes Night event Sept. 5 in the Emmaus Public Library parking area.

The Emmaus Public Library staff planned the first Community Heroes Day shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on America to reassure youngsters not all the country’s police, fire and EMS heroes had been involved in the tragic events of the terrorist attack and there were still people around to protect them. The library staff has carried on the tradition ever since.

“This is the most important community event we do each year,” Sue Monroe, youth services librarian, said. “It’s a great way for youngsters to become familiar with first responders and emergency equipment in a non-emergency setting.

“It’s a good springboard for families to discuss what to do in an emergency and to make a family plan,” Monroe said.

“Kids get to climb on equipment, try on uniforms and see what’s in an ambulance and fire engine,” she said. “It’s a bonus for the first responders, too, who love to share what they do.”

Monroe said many area residents come to thank first responders who respond to 911 calls, putting their well-being at risk every day and always being there when help is needed.

Representatives from the Emmaus Police Department, fire and ambulance services and from the Vera Cruz fire station in Upper Milford answered questions and displayed their gear and equipment.