HEIDELBERG, Germany--When Pfc. Alfred Wesley woke up May 5, he probably didn't expect a
German Shepherd would chase him a few hours later.
Wesley, an Information Technology Specialist for 43rd Signal Battalion, volunteered to play the part of the bad guy during U.S. Army Garrison Baden-WAfA1/4rttemberg's annual Soldier and Family Exposition day, a free biannual event open to servicemembers, civilians and family members on Patrick Henry Village in Heidelberg.
Pitt, a 7-year-old canine, followed commands of handler Spc. John Marek. Meanwhile Staff Sgt. Frederick Ferrigno, 529th Military Police Company, told the crowd they should never run if confronted by a police dog.
While the chances the average lawabiding citizen will ever face this predicament are slim, the hands-on training and live visual aids could prove useful for other situations, said Randall Ross, safety specialist and SAFER coordinator.
"Some of the things we showed here today are things we hear about but don't always get to see, like kitchen fires or what the 'Jaws of Life' is and how it works," Ross said.
This year's safety theme is "Take Five," which means everything from mowing the lawn to driving a car should be evaluated before forging ahead without a second thought.
"There is a big difference between those types of risks, but if we stop and think about them first before proceeding, we meet our goal to get better and better and (ultimately) save lives and limbs," said Ross.
Last year, no Memorial Day weekend fatalities were reported on any Army installation. That was the first time in nearly 20 years, said Ross, who added he believes education is part of the statistic.
The SAFER included ongoing activities and classes as well as dozens of booths to educate participants on everything from hearing protection, child safety, summer driving hazards, driving under the influence, suicide prevention and ergonomics. While Sgt. Jason Robinson, Mark Twain Village chapel non-commissioned officer in charge, said he enjoyed the indoor activities, he appreciated the opportunity to enjoy the sunny day.
"I work inside in the chapel so any chance I can go outside for training, I take. I prefer hands-on training to a (PowerPoint) briefi ng because it's more visual, and that's how I learn," Robinson said.
A self-proclaimed "Mythbusters" fan, Robinson said he looked forward to the U.S. Army Fire Service Inspector's fire the most, partly because of an acute fascination with flames, but mainly so he can teach his 6-year-old son what not to do.
That sharing of information is exactly what Ross had in mind for SAFER this year.
"We don't want you to keep any of the information you get today to yourself, because it doesn't do any good. Don't be afraid to be the person to make an on-the-spot correction. You might save a life," Ross said during his introduction.
Social Sharing