Big trucks. Bigger fun. Touch-A-Truck returns to UM-Flint, Sept. 19

There are very few occasions when climbing into a police car, getting an up-close look at a fire engine, and investigating some of the biggest vehicles on the road are not only allowed, but actively encouraged.

Touch-A-Truck is one of them.

The University of Michigan-Flint Department of Public Safety will once again bring vehicles, first responders, families, and plenty of free fun together for its annual Touch-A-Truck event, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 19, at the William S. White Building parking lot at Saginaw Street and Fifth Avenue.

Free and open to the public, Touch-A-Truck gives children the opportunity to trade their toy versions for the real thing, to explore police cars, fire engines, utility trucks, and other specialized vehicles, and to meet the people who operate them.

But for Ray Hall, DPS director and chief of police, the afternoon is about more than big trucks and flashing lights.

"Kids may come because they want to climb into a fire truck or sit behind the wheel of a police car, and we certainly want them to have that experience," Hall said. "But while they're here, they're also meeting police officers, firefighters, and other people who serve their community. Those positive interactions matter. They help build familiarity, relationships, and trust."

Among the event's most anticipated attractions is the arrival of a Michigan State Police helicopter, which assists ground officers with search-and-rescue operations. Attendees can watch the aircraft arrive and land before getting an up-close look at the helicopter, its controls and lifesaving equipment.

And the lineup extends well beyond emergency vehicles. Tow trucks, cranes, cargo trucks, garbage trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles from area businesses and organizations will give young visitors a rare opportunity to see the machines they encounter around town from an entirely different perspective.

For those who eventually decide they've climbed enough trucks, there will be plenty more to do.

The afternoon will also feature free hot dogs and bottled water, face painting, balloons, music, child identification kits, bounce houses and activities for all ages.

"Touch-A-Truck has become one of those days we look forward to every year because it brings people together in such an easy, enjoyable way," Hall said. "There's no agenda beyond welcoming people to campus, giving families a great afternoon and creating opportunities for our officers and community members to get to know one another. If everyone leaves smiling, we've done our job."

Hall added that while he and DPS work hard to host the annual event, it is UM-Flint student volunteers who make it all come together.

"Touch-A-Truck simply wouldn't happen without our student volunteers," Hall said. "They really take ownership of it. They bring the energy, they drive the event, and they help create the welcoming atmosphere that families experience throughout the day. That partnership is incredibly valuable to us because it's another way our students and DPS can work together to help build a healthy, connected community in Flint."

For additional information about Touch-A-Truck, contact Gaye Stover, DPS administrative assistant, at 810-762-3330.