By STEPHANIE BUNKER
Moapa Valley Progress
There was a huge party in the park on Saturday afternoon all in honor of local Police, Fire, and other First Responders.
The Overton Park was filled with families enjoying the food, games, and company. Chris Kohntop a Metro Police officer organized the free event for the community.
“We wanted to show all the appreciation for the first responders, especially the volunteers,” said Kohntop. “They work an 8-10 hour job, come home tired and get called out during dinner or in the middle of the night.”
As a Police officer Kohntop organizes policing events such as this all of the time,
“I just took what I do in Las Vegas and brought the same things out to Moapa Valley,” he said.
Kohntop expected about 200 people to come during the 4 hour event. But he guessed there were well over that number of people who showed up.
Everyone had a great time.
“I came because this was a great option to show how much I appreciate them,” said Logandale resident Jennifer Adams. “They don’t get thanked very often. It’s nice to know there is support for my family when we need the help and this is a way for us to give back to them.”
The event featured the first responders with their equipment and vehicles. Attendees got to tour the engine from station 73, the rescue from station 72, and the squad from station 74. There were also a few Metro Police cars there, one of which was painted pink and white.
“It’s nice for us as first responders here to be recognized,” said Station 73 captain Mike Otero.
“This has been very humbling,” stated Station 73 volunteer Stacey DuPee. “I’m grateful for Chris (Kohntop) to spearhead this event. It’s nice to see the community and friends get together and have an enjoyable afternoon.”
Kohntop reported that the event wasn’t paid for by any one person, they received donations to make the fun afternoon possible. Lin’s provided the hot dogs and chips, Gary Leavitt lent the use of his cotton candy and snow cone making machines, the Moapa Valley Water Company donated popcorn, and the miscellaneous items came from cash money donations.
While everyone was there to appreciate the first responders, they could also participate in a $2 raffle to raise money for equipment for the first responders. The raffle had many prizes including a hoverboard, $100 cash prize, a lot of gift certificates, a dutch oven, movie tickets and more.
There were also games put on by local Parks and Recreation staff. They had hoola hoops and balls out for the kids to play with and played games like Bank and River, and Spike Ball.
“We didn’t want to detract the kids from seeing the trucks so we let them come play with the stuff themselves without having organized games the whole time,” said Lauralyn Robison with Parks and Rec.
Facepainting was available for kids. Children walked around with Hello Kitty’s, Angry Birds, sharks, and much more painted across their face thanks to Tenaya Kohntop and Rachel Hickman.
There were also dance contests for kids, and the kids that won got a $5 cash prize.
Kohntop hopes to make this an annual event. “I really appreciate everyone that donated, we couldn’t have done it without them and everyone who answered the call to step up and help,” he said.
