“It’s about teaching children about safety. We are lucky to be here in Tipp City. We have great support from the police and fire department and also the Miami County Sheriff’s office. They’re all here, helping us teach the kids,” Lange added.
There were displays in the showroom: fire trucks, a paramedic unit (which had to leave twice for emergency runs) along with free hot dogs, and the Dayton Dragons’ mascot Heater was there.
Billy Lee Franz and his buddy, Billy Womble, tried on a firefighter’s breathing mask and helmet.
“It’s really cool,” the Franz said. Mom Heather Franz explained they came to get an oil change, and when they discovered the service area was closed, they stayed anyway.
“This is great for the kids; they’re learning a lot.”
Every child leaves the event with an important piece of safety equipment — a brand-new bike helmet, provided by Voss Honda.
“It’s about teaching our kids and keeping them safe,” explained John Voss, Voss owner and also the fellow who pays for the helmets.
Voss customer service advisor Treva Littleton coordinates the event and talked about the numbers.
“Each year, we give away more helmets. Two years ago it was over 200; last year, over 370; and this year, I ordered 450,” she said.
The helmets aren’t just handed out. An officer from the Tipp City Police Department personally fits each child. Officer Dan Rittenhouse was pretty busy, fitting many youngsters, including 3-year-old Ty Pettus, who received his first helmet.
“These are all Bell helmets, and we have to thank Bell, because they sell them to us at a reduced cost. They don’t have to do that, but they also support this program,” Littleton said.
“We always run out, and that’s what we want: every kid to have a helmet to keep them safe. And next year, we’ll order more,” John Voss said.
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