If you look for the helpers, you will always find them.
That message from Fred Rogers came to life at Highview Elementary School this week as third graders met some of their community’s real-life helpers.
Inside the school gymnasium, students were introduced to Humphrey, a black Labrador facility dog with the Greenburgh Police Department. On his vest, a patch reads, “I’m Friendly, Please Pet Me,” an invitation many students happily accepted.
The visit was part of a community event organized by Highview teachers Ms. Callanan and Ms. Blair in partnership with Officer Henry and members of the Greenburgh Police Department. The program gave students a closer look at the many ways police officers and first responders work together to help keep their neighborhood safe.
Humphrey, who loves to eat, swim and meet new people, knows more than 50 commands. His badge number is 5, marking him as the fifth canine to serve with the Greenburgh Police Department.
“Humphrey is like a service dog, but he is called a facility dog,” explained Detective Ellorodt. “He’s trained to make people happy.”
Students were instantly enamored.
“His name is Humphrey, so what’s your name?” one student asked.
“My name is Detective Steve,” Ellorodt replied with a smile.
On the other side of the gym, students met Sully, a German Shepherd patrol and detection dog who assists officers with tracking, bomb detection and criminal apprehension searches. Sully’s “superpower,” officers explained, is his incredible ability to track by scent.
Despite their different roles, both dogs shared one thing students appreciated right away: they enjoy attention and being pet.
Throughout the event, students also rotated through workshops led by Police Officers Francis, Burns and Cerqua, a certified EMT, along with Detectives Schmidt and Ellorodt.
Outside on the playground, three emergency vehicles waited for students to explore: a patrol car, an EMS ambulance and a Special Operations truck. With flashing lights illuminating the playground, excitement filled the air as students gathered around the vehicles.
Before the tours began, Officer Burns asked the group an important question.
“Who knows the number to call when you need help?”
“911!” the students responded in unison.
Students toured the patrol car and ambulance and learned how first responders help people during emergencies. Officer Cerqua demonstrated equipment such as a stair chair and a Reeves stretcher used to safely transport injured individuals.
Several students volunteered to try the stretcher. As one student adjusted himself on the bed, he shifted slightly before looking up at Officer Francis.
“This is actually pretty comfortable,” he said, drawing a chuckle from the officer.
Students laughed again when they learned the Reeves stretcher’s nickname: “the taco.”
Special Operations Officer Nigro also showed students rescue equipment used during emergencies, including a chainsaw used to remove fallen trees from roads.
The students were surprised.
“Why would you cut down trees?” one student asked.
“Because trees fall down all the time on roads,” Officer Nigro explained. “We need to keep the roads safe for you.”
Officer Henry said the goal of the event was to help students understand the many roles within the police department and how those roles support the community.
“We wanted students to see the different components of the police department,” she said. “We are unique because we have an EMS department and two canines performing different jobs. Mainly, we want students and the community to know we are a resource and a support.”
Events like this also help build relationships between the department and the community at an early age.
“Community connection is at the heart of the department,” Officer Henry added. “We have the incredible opportunity to engage with younger students like this. It starts here and early.”
For Highview’s third graders, the day offered more than flashing lights and impressive vehicles. It gave them the chance to meet the helpers who work every day to keep their community safe and to see that those helpers are part of their own neighborhood.