Parks and Rec holds first responder showcase event 

What does it mean to be a hero? Isaiah Long has an idea. 

“To me being a hero means helping someone. Being a hero means helping your community and your nation,” the 11-year-old said. 

Long said he aspires to be a police officer someday, and last week he had the opportunity to visit and talk with the men and women in blue during the Hometown Hero day hosted by Hartselle Parks and Recreation. 

First responders from the City of Hartselle and Morgan County filled the parking lot at the Grady and Marjorie Long Park July 2 to showcase their vehicles and visit with attendees. Representatives attended from the Hartselle Police Department, Hartselle Fire & Rescue, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, Morgan County Rescue Squad, the Alabama National Guard and Alabama State Troopers, among others. 

Children were given access to an ambulance, police cars and SUVs, a Hartselle Utilities work truck and a Humvee. Many children climbed aboard and were able to sit in the vehicles and sound the horns and sirens. 

“We are very thankful for our hometown heroes and enjoyed getting to meet some of them this morning,” Tasha Harden wrote in a Facebook post. 

“This was such a cool thing! I hope it can be an annual event,” Arianne Fencl added.