LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Heroes of Health and Safety Fair welcomed over 1,500 guests on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Lake County Fairgrounds.

The free family-friendly event, sponsored by Sutter Lakeside Hospital and the Lake County Fire Chief’s Association offered attendees a range of safety-focused demonstrations, including a “Jaws-of-Life” extrication, multiple air ambulance helicopter landings and lift offs, and an appearance by the SWAT Unit Armored Vehicle. 

More than 40 Lake County health and safety focused organizations offered attendees information about local services ranging from disaster preparedness to electrical safety to obesity awareness.

Sutter Lakeside Hospital and Lake County Public Health administered more than 450 free flu vaccinations at the event.  

“We are ecstatic about the turnout, particularly as this was the first year for the event,” said Siri Nelson, chief administrative officer for Sutter Lakeside Hospital. “To be able to administer the flu shot to so many members of our community is outstanding. People seemed to have a great time, mingling with characters like McGruff and Smokey the Bear, visiting the booths, and seeing the helicopters and big rigs in action.”

Car seat safety inspections were conducted and over 60 car seats were replaced free of charge.

Free children's bike helmets were distributed throughout the day. 

Six children's bikes were raffled off at the end of the event and families were encouraged to enroll in the Lake County Office of Education’s Hero Project.

Chief Willie Sapeta of the Lake County Fire Protection District added, “When I initially approached Siri at Sutter Lakeside with the idea for the Heroes of Health and Safety Fair, this is exactly what I had in mind: Lake County Search and Rescue services partnering with health providers to showcase what we have to offer to our community. I am completely overwhelmed that so many people visited the fair on Saturday and learned about ways to keep their families safe.”

The event was sponsored by Sutter Lakeside Hospital, the Lake County Fire Chief’s Association, California Highway Patrol, St. Helena Clear Lake, Lakeside Health Center, the American Red Cross, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the Lake County Office of Education and The Hero Project, and the Lake County Behavioral Health Services.

The Heroes of Health and Safety Fair will be an annual event.