Mike Wolanin | The Republic Edwin Doades looks at equipment on display from the Columbus Fire Department during Famliy School Partners 29th annual Touch-a-Truck event at Clifty Park in Columbus, Ind., Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025.
Family School Partners held its 29th annual Touch a Truck last week at Clifty Park, where hundreds of children got to see heavy equipment up close.
In collaboration with the Community Education Coalition, the Council for Youth Development and Columbus Parks and Recreation, the two hour gathering included over 20 vehicles, organizers said. About 500-plus children and more than 1,000 people attended the event that featured educational and safety-themed booths from local organizations.
Not only was the day fun for the kids, it also was a chance for young people to connect with the people and equipment that serve their community.
Columbus Fire Department Engine 3 was very popular. Kids got to meet firefighters and get a look at the technology encompassed in the fire truck.
Columbus Police were also on scene to show off a patrol cruiser and Columbus Regional Health brought an ambulance. BCSC Transportation came with a school bus, and ColumBUS Transit brought a bus as well.
More information about Family School Partners can be found at: bcscschools.org/programs/family-school-partners.
