ROGERS — Shane Whittle wanted his kids to meet the good guys, so he brought them to Saturday’s Patriot Day in Rogers.
“We teach our kids that these people are our friends,” Whittle of Springdale said. “It’s good to show them the people that will be there to help in emergencies.”
Whittle brought his daughter, Savannah, 9, son, Lane, 10, and his 7-year-old nephew, Keegan Smith, to the event held on Promenade Boulevard near Pinnacle Hills Promenade.
At A Glance
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance is a volunteer organization based in Rogers. It has three primary aims:
• To provide assistance to military, police, fire and other emergency personnel and their families.
• To provide assistance to our neighbors in times of natural or human-inflicted disasters.
• To provide information on survival and disaster preparedness.
Source: Sheep Dog Impact Assistance
Law enforcement agencies and fire departments from departments in Northwest Arkansas had vehicles at the event. The military also had vehicles on display.
“I just like walking around and looking at all the vehicles,” Keegan said while standing near the Benton County Sheriff’s Office’s Swat vehicle.
Lane enjoyed seeing the military equipment.
Saturday’s event is sponsored by Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, which is a volunteer nonprofit organization serving the needs of the men and women serving in the military, law enforcement, fire and rescue and EMS services, according to Drew Gilchrist, vice president of the organization’s Northwest Arkansas Chapter.
Gilchrist said Patriot Day is a way to show appreciation to police officers, firefighters, EMS services and the military for their services.
“People often walk up to our military men and women and thank them for their service,” Gilchrist said. “When was the last time you walked up to a police officer or fireman and thanked him for his service.”
Gilchrist said Saturday’s event was a chance for the public to meet the men and women there to protect and help in emergency situations.
“They are there when we need them most and sometimes we don’t show them enough appreciation,” Gilchrist said.
It was the third Patriot Day for the group to sponsor.
Kellie Gurwell, 12, of Garfield said she enjoyed having the opportunity to speak with veterans.
She also enjoyed seeing the equipment used by police, firefighters and the military.
Firefighters demonstrated how they remove people from wrecked vehicles.
“I learned how hard their jobs are,” Kellie said about the emergency responders.
David Abrego of Rogers said he enjoyed having the opportunity to thank the emergency responders for their service.
Money raised during Patriot Day will be used to support Sheep Dogs in need during the holiday season, according to Gilchrist.
Gilchrist said the organization is there to assist emergency responders and veterans if they need assistance.