By MATT PIKE
The annual Haunt with a Hero event at Civic Arena will help bring area youth together to get into the Halloween spirit, while also getting a chance to connect with St. Joseph Health and Safety officials.
Tomorrow, from 6 to 8pm, the St. Joseph Police Department, St. Joseph Fire Department, and Buchanan County EMS will come together at Civic Arena to provide a Trunk or Treat for kids, while also meeting and connecting with area youth outside of official business. Youth are encouraged to come in costume for the event to gather candy in a safe environment ahead of Halloween on Saturday.
St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster says its important for kids to know at a young age to know that law enforcement and safety officials are there to help at an early age.
"I think its important that that non crisis based environment where everybody can just relax and talk like human beings is so important, and its just as important for the first responders to be in the environement, shows everybody that we're all human," Luster says on the KFEQmunnity show. "So with events like this not only is it great for the kids to be able to interact with all the first responders in that relaxed environment, its just as equally important for our first responders, that stress free night of just getting to hang out and have fun with the community."
During the event ambulances, police cars, and specialty vehicles will be at the Civic Arena for kids to sit in and interact with, decked out in festive Halloween decor. The event runs from 6 to 8pm and is free to attend for the public.
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.