Elizabeth Mays from Aurora knows her grandson’s interest in trucks well. He eagerly attended the Saturday event, eager to see them up close. “Kids love trucks, oh God, yes,” she commented during the ninth annual Community Hero Day at the Aurora Regional Fire Museum. She noted that the event appeals to children because they enjoy interacting with the massive vehicles.
This event at the museum gathered numerous first responders, accompanied by a variety of fire, police, and emergency vehicles for families to explore. The four-hour gathering also featured fire truck rides through Aurora, touch-a-truck opportunities, a live fire department demonstration, a free CPR class, face painting, and more. A food vendor and live DJ added to the festivity.
Brian Failing, the Aurora Regional Fire Museum’s executive director, explained that the event has been held for nearly ten years. “When we first started, we aimed to assemble various community heroes, including not just police and fire but all community services,” he said. They sought to involve the tollway, emergency management, and others. The focus has shifted more towards fire and life safety, showcasing the fire department’s role. “We’ve always had the live fire demo and now an extrication demo,” Failing added.
The occasion typically attracts around 1,000 attendees annually, according to organizers. “Families enjoy the chance to interact closely with the different organizations, vehicles, and personnel,” Failing stated. “The fire truck rides, live demonstrations, and touch-a-truck session remain big draws.”
Brittany Brunner, visiting from North Aurora, explored the local canine officer station and shared her impressions. “People attend this event for community bonding and to honor the locals who serve us,” she said. Observing all the community services, she appreciated families connecting with each other.
Brunner also highlighted the event’s appeal to young attendees with the presence of first responders. “It might inspire them to pursue careers in these areas,” she shared.