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Community Invited to See First Responders in Action at SUNY Canton Aug. 15

Canton, NY (07/16/2025) — SUNY Canton will welcome more than 30 area federal, state, local and non-profit emergency response agencies to campus for a first responder expo in August.

This free and family-friendly event is open to the public and will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15 in parking lots 5 (between Wicks Hall and Dana Hall) and 8 (French Hall). It will feature exciting live demonstrations, including a rescue helicopter landing, a law enforcement canine presentation and a rescue drone simulation.

Guests can also tour fire trucks, rescue ATV equipment, patrol and emergency response vehicles, and a mobile command center. Local food vendors will be on site serving lunch. Parking is available in lot 7.

"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.

"For our current criminal justice students or any prospective students thinking about a career in law enforcement, this is a great opportunity to practice skills and meet agency recruiters at a fun, family event," said SUNY Canton Director of Workforce, Community and Industry Partnerships Elizabeth Brown.

First Responder Day Camp

The event coincides with the first responder summer day camp being held on campus Aug. 11-15 for 6th to 9th graders. Campers will have an opportunity to engage with agencies specializing in law enforcement, fire, EMS, dispatching and emergency management throughout the week.

First responder summer day camp activities include:

  • Fire hose use tutorial supervised by the Canton Fire Department
  • CPR certification led by the Clarkson EMT program
  • Seatbelt safety and bloodhound demonstrations by the New York State Police
  • Fingerprinting analysis and bike patrol presentation by SUNY Canton
  • Mobile command center dispatch demonstration by St. Lawrence County Emergency Management

Space is still available, and parents can register at https://www.canton.edu/wcip/summer/first/.

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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