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SUNY Canton to Host Family-Friendly First Responder Expo Sept. 11

Canton, NY (08/26/2026) — SUNY Canton will welcome more than 30 area federal, state, local and non-profit emergency response agencies to campus for the second annual first responder expo in September.

This free event is open to the public and will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11 in parking lot 7. It will feature exciting live demonstrations, including a LifeNet helicopter landing at 2 p.m., a law enforcement canine presentation, a search and rescue simulation, a drone presentation, and a mock dorm room live burn.

Guests can also tour fire trucks, rescue equipment, patrol and emergency response vehicles, and mobile command trucks. Participating agencies include:

  • American Red Cross
  • Army National Guard
  • Canton Fire, Police and Rescue Departments
  • Clarkson University EMS Education Department
  • Drug Enforcement Administration
  • Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • First Responder Therapy Dog
  • LifeNet of NY (Critical Care Flight Team)
  • North Country Crime Analysis Center
  • NYS Police, Office of Fire Prevention & Control, DEC, Division of Homeland Security, and EMS
  • Potsdam Fire and Police Departments
  • Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department
  • Search and Rescue of the Northern Adirondacks
  • St. Lawrence County Emergency Services, Probation Department, and Sheriff's Department
  • SUNY Canton Admissions Office, Counseling Center, and EMS
  • U.S. Air Force, Coast Guard, Secret Service and Space Force

The SUNY Canton College Association, along with local food vendors Noco Soda Co., Shollette's Street Eats, Thai Street Eats NNY, and Hillbilly Street Dogs will be serving lunch. Parking is available in lot 5.

"This is a great opportunity for our first responders to share the incredible work they do to keep our communities safe," said SUNY Canton EMS Director and event organizer R.J. Thayer. "It's also a chance for kids and families to explore the tools and vehicles first responders use, learn how these agencies work together, and perhaps spark an interest in a future career."

Federal, state and local agencies will also have recruitment information for those interested in job opportunities.

The event coincides with the college's fire safety day and the national Campus Fire Safety Month.

Discover SUNY Canton, where innovation meets opportunity. The college's career-focused educational programs emphasize hands-on and applied learning opportunities in digital design, engineering technology, health, information technology, management, public service, and veterinary technology. Faculty members bring real-world experience and exceptional academic expertise to the classroom. As a leader in online education, SUNY Canton offers unmatched flexibility with hundreds of courses and 25 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the SUNYAC. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.

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SUNY Canton invites the community to attend their First Responder Expo from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11. More than 30 area federal, state, and local agencies will participate.

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