UM Flint to host 11th annual Touch a Truck, Sept. 21

The University of Michigan-Flint will continue a more than decade-long community tradition when the Department of Public Safety turns the downtown campus into a hub of family fun and connection with Touch-A-Truck. The 11th annual event will take place, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 21, in the William S. White Building parking lot at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Saginaw Street.

Touch-a-Truck brings police cars, fire trucks and other utility vehicles to life while inviting kids of all ages to explore vehicles and interact with law enforcement in a safe, community-centric venue. The event is free and open to the public.

"For us to be effective police officers, we first need to build positive, lasting relationships with our community members. This event continues to be a highly effective way to connect with our community in a fun, celebratory environment," said Ray Hall, DPS director. "Not only does the university's DPS get involved, but our fellow local law enforcement agencies, first responders and other community partners come together to earn the trust of and support the community. Building genuine and positive relationships with those who we serve is absolutely critical to effective public safety."

Various law enforcement agencies - and their diverse fleets of vehicles - will take part in Touch-a-Truck this year.

Law enforcement agencies taking part this year include DPS, Mott Community College Police, the Flint Police Department, the Flint Township Police Department, the Genesee County Sheriff's Department, Michigan State Police, and officers from Grand Blanc Township, the city of Grand Blanc and more.

Participation isn't limited to only police and first responders. Vehicles, including tow trucks, cranes and others from community organizations and businesses, will be available for kids to explore.

Not limited to law enforcement and other first responders, Touch-a-Truck also offers local businesses a chance to connect with families as well.

"Touch-a-Truck is about giving back and building commonality between everyone involved. It really benefits those putting the event together as much as those in attendance," Hall said. "It offers officers, first responders, EMTs and more a chance to see the community in a new context, not in an emergency situation. It gives us a chance to give back and enjoy a fun day together with the community."

Additional features of this free event include hot dogs, face painting, balloons, a bounce house, music, child identification kits and more activities for all ages. A returning highlight will be the arrival and landing of a Michigan Medicine Survival Flight helicopter. Survival Flight, the critical care transport program of Michigan Medicine, provides rapid and safe transport of critically ill and injured patients of any age group. Its team of experienced flight nurses are dually licensed as paramedics and are nationally known for their skills and expertise. Survival Flight EC-155 helicopters fly at an average speed of 175 miles per hour and can carry a patient, medical crew and a full complement of advanced life support equipment.

The Michigan Medicine Survival Flight helicopter.

"While our community partners are crucial in making Touch-a-Truck a reality, our UM-Flint student volunteers are equally crucial," said Hall. "They ensure visitors feel welcomed to the university and add a sense of vibrancy to our activities."

For additional information about the event, contact Gaye Stover, DPS administrative assistant, at 810-762-3330.

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