Exceptional Citizens Expo offers ‘very inclusive’ experience in Ross

When it comes to vehicles, size can matter.

“Everyone loves the big trucks,” Ross police Chief Cristyn Zett said. “So you can’t go wrong with excavators and giant dump trucks and huge fire engines to climb in and climb around.”

Plenty of suitably large emergency and maintenance vehicles were on display as her department joined with numerous agencies to present community’s first-ever Exceptional Citizens Expo, held April 6 at the Ross Township Department of Public Works.

For the occasion, big didn’t necessarily mean loud.

“A lot of touch-a-truck events, which this is sort of based on, have lights and sirens going and a lot of noise, and can get very crowded,” Zett said. “So we wanted to spread it out and have at least a silent hour, where the lights would be off, the sirens would be off, and you’re just lowering some of those stimulations that can be really hard for some people.”

She has a son who would fit into that category.

“So I wanted something that was very inclusive for him and other people who might not find some of our events as easy to access and be part of,” she said, and the public works facility made for an ideal venue. “It was very accessible for people with any kind of issues with mobility: a lot of flat area, easy parking, things that just make it easier for everyone.”

Participants included police and fire departments, emergency medical services and several organizations that provide a variety of resources. Among those attending with an informational table was state Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Brighton Heights.

“I think this event is great because it allows kids and even adults who have disabilities to come and experience the same kinds of really cool events, like touch-a-truck, in a way that makes them comfortable,” Kinkead said. “I’m excited to see all the buy-in from all the different agencies, all the different departments that have shown up in force.”

West View’s police department was among those taking part, with Detective Matt Pavlecic and police secretary Barb O’Lare greeting guests to hand out souvenir hats and badges.

The borough’s volunteer fire department was represented, too, along with all eight volunteer fire companies in Ross: Berkeley Hills, Evergreen, Fairview, Keating, Laurel Gardens, Perrysville, Quaill and Seville.

Amid vehicles galore at the event, the largest and probably most impressive belongs to the North Hills Special Response Team, which was founded by Ross police officers two decades ago and has grown to serve more than 200,000 residents in 17 municipalities.

“You want to come and see that. You don’t want it to come and see you,” Ross Patrol Officer Matthew Immekus observed.

He took a lead role with Zett in making arrangements for the Exceptional Citizens Expo.

“We had some challenges this first year organizing everything, and we were hoping for it to be a little bit warmer this first week of April,” he said, referencing a high temperature for the afternoon in the mid-40s. “But we got through it, and I think next year, we’ll be back and know what to expect.”

Immekus viewed the event as a way for emergency personnel to strengthen bonds in a relatively stress-free environment.

“A lot of the people who came today were friends and families of the first responders who are here,” he said. “So it’s nice for us to have the opportunity to meet each other’s families.”

Members of the community at large had similar opportunities.

“I want people to get comfortable with police officers, firefighters and EMS,” Zett said. “But also, this is a chance for my officers in a low-stress environment to meet and talk to people they may not otherwise run into. It humanizes both sides.”

Kinkead complimented the chief for instituting a successful endeavor:

“I love this. I’m really excited to see it, and I hope to see it grow here every year.”