Handshakes With Heroes Returns Free To Benton County Fairgrounds August 18

SAUK RAPIDS (WJON News) -- You can meet first responders in a wide variety of careers all in one place.

The 10th Annual Handshakes with Heroes is on Tuesday, August 18th, at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Sauk Rapids.

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Public Safety Foundation Executive Director Jenifer Odette says it's a great way to meet with people in a calm and relaxed setting.

This is a fun event to come in and see their equipment, everything from helicopters, SWAT vehicles, dogs, mounted patrols, the water rescue, and fire trucks.

Odette says the Hidden in Plain Sight trailer will be there as well.

It allows adults to go in and see a bedroom and identify particular ways that kids can hide, whether it's drugs, alcohol, or things that they shouldn't be doing or using.

There will be food at the event as well as bounce houses and carriage rides. The free Handshakes With Heroes event runs from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Hand Shakes with Heroes is a free, family-friendly event designed to create meaningful interaction between the community and the men and women who serve us every day, offering interactive experiences, opportunities to meet local first responders, and a space where relationships are built and trust continues to grow.

The Public Safety Foundation started in 2015.  The organization operates the three COP Houses in St. Cloud.