(Photo by Gwen Sour) From left, Bailey Miller, Macie Smith and Sylvia Barry climb into a vintage fire truck during Saturday’s My Hero Day event at the Parkersburg Municipal Building.

PARKERSBURG — Sirens, smiles and working dogs took center stage in Parkersburg on Saturday afternoon as families gathered to honor first responders during the city’s first My Hero Day.

The community even brought together police officers, firefighters and rescue teams for an afternoon of connections, education and fun.

Organized by the City of Parkersburg to foster positive relationships between children and emergency personnel, My Hero Day featured interactive demonstrations, emergency vehicles and even a chance for kids to handle a fire hose. With children climbing into fire trucks, residents chatting with officers and the K-9 unit dogs receiving endless attention, Parkersburg’s first My Hero Day seemed to achieve that goal.

“We want kids to see a police officer or a firefighter and feel comfortable enough to say hi,” said Parkersburg Patrolman 1st Class Joshua Thrasher. “It’s important they know we’re here not just for emergencies, but moments like this, too.”

Children flocked to meet working dogs like Jenny, a trailing bloodhound with Tyler County Search and Rescue.

(Photo by Gwen Sour) Raeleigh Matheny-Sapio operates a fire hose during Saturday’s My Hero Day event at the Parkersburg Municipal Building.

“She’s all about the kids,” said a representative from Tyler County Search and Rescue and Hocking Search and Rescue. “We want people to know that we’re here as a resource, but we work through law enforcement; we don’t just show up.”

Parkersburg Neighborhood Planner Karen Swain, who spearheaded the event, said the idea came from a desire to bring positivity and awareness to the community.

“I just felt like we needed this in Parkersburg,” she said. “There’s too much negativity, and this is one good way to show the positive; these people are here to help.”

Saturday’s event featured representatives from the Parkersburg Police and Fire Departments, SWAT, search and rescue teams and the Wood County Sheriff’s Office. While weather conditions were unpredictable, turnout remained steady, even with the Easter holiday weekend.

“It’s a great start,” Swain said. “We’re absolutely looking to make this an annual tradition.”

(Photo by Gwen Sour) Harper Parsons receives snuggles from Parkersburg Police K-9 Hok during Saturday’s My Hero Day.