NYRA to celebrate First Responders Appreciation Day Wednesday

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.

» The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will honor police officers, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics during First Responders Appreciation Day at Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday, August 1.

First Responders Appreciation Day is presented by Brookview Village.

The day will feature free grandstand admission for all first responders with proper identification. NYRA will welcome local police officers, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics to the winner’s circle for the day’s second race, which will be named in honor of first responders.

“We are pleased to recognize the men and women who provide immediate help during critical times of need,” said NYRA CEO and President Chris Kay. “Our communities depend upon these courageous and reliable individuals for our health, safety and security. When we call upon them for help, we know they will do everything within their power to remove us from harm’s way. All of us at NYRA look forward to hosting our local first responders and providing an enjoyable and memorable day at Saratoga in their honor.”

Numerous local police, fire and emergency service departments will host activities and demonstrations at the CocaCola Saratoga Pavilion throughout the afternoon.

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office will distribute children’s identification cards and the New York State Police will host a child’s safety seat demonstration.

Children in attendance are invited to be fitted for a free bicycle helmet, courtesy of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County. The child must be present, and bicycle helmets are available while supplies last. Limit two per family.

Guests can also experience numerous interactive activities designed to highlight the danger of impaired and distracted driving, including impaired vision goggles, which simulate the effects of drunk driving, under the supervision of the Mechanicville Police Department; and a vehicle rollover simulator, which demonstrates what happens to vehicle occupants during a rollover crash, courtesy of the New York State Police.

Local emergency care providers will showcase a number of life-saving and health management techniques throughout the afternoon, including CPR demonstrations from Clifton Park EMS; fire safety tips from the Saratoga City Fire Department; stress management strategies from the Saratoga County Office of Mental Health; and information and demonstrations about the Stop the Bleed program by Albany Medical Center.

A variety of emergency service vehicles and equipment will be on display in and around the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion, including a police car and K9 partner from the Saratoga Springs Police Department, and a fire truck from the Saratoga Springs Fire Department.

The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs will host a demonstration to showcase the importance of sprinkler systems within residences and businesses to prevent the spread of fire.

Young fans will enjoy face painting from Stellar Face and Body Art and caricature drawings from artist Phil Singer.