GARDINER — A patriotic celebration dedicated to law enforcement and first responders is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
Hosted by Security Services Northwest at its Fort Discovery compound on Old Gardiner Road, the annual event celebrates “those who protect our way of life,” said Joe D’Amico, owner of Security Services Northwest.
D’Amico hopes to see between 500 and 1,000 people at the celebration.
In addition to being open to the public, D’Amico has issued a special invitation to law enforcement/first-responders and their families and members of the military and their families.
The theme is Unity of Effort — “all these people that make this work: first responders, security professionals, emergency room staff; it’s everyone who works together to protect our communities and our nation,” D’Amico said.
“There’s not any other event that I’m aware of that focuses on supporting those who protect us day-in and day-out.”
Admission is free but a $10 donation per adult for members of the general public is suggested. Money will go to the Special Operation Warrior Foundation. It supports the families of fallen and wounded military special operations personnel.
Children 17 and younger will be admitted free.
In the 15 years of the annual event, it has grown to a celebration that draws first responders, military and security professionals from across Western Washington, D’Amico said.
“We’re here to support local, state and federal organizations — and private organizations — who all help in protecting our community and nation,” D’Amico said.
The 56th Army Band will perform, and there will be tours of first-responder equipment and helicopters.
The guest speaker will be Marine Lt. Col. Curtis Carlin, charged with providing security for the Bangor nuclear submarine base.
Among the special guests will be Maj. Dan Chow, an Army chaplain.
Visits are planned by an Army 16th Cavalry Apache gunship and a Kiowa helicopter, as well as a U.S. Customs Blackhawk and an Airlift Northwest helicopter.
Exhibitors include personnel from the sheriff’s offices in Jefferson, Clallam and Kitsap counties and from fire districts in Jefferson and Clallam counties.
Also on hand will be police dogs from the city of Port Angeles Police Department and the Army 51st Military Police.
Exhibitors are scheduled from the State Patrol, Olympic National Park law enforcement, Washington State Parks law enforcement, the Air Force, Marine Corps Security Forces Bangor, Washington Must Wanted Q13-TV, the Border Patrol, Loomis Armored, FLIR, SOG Knives, Top Notch Tactical and Security Services NW
Parking is limited at Fort Discovery.
Guests traveling from Clallam County are asked to use the shuttle bus services provided free by 7 Cedars Casino from the casino’s southern parking lot on U.S. Highway 101 at Blyn.
Look for the Fort Discovery banner and parking attendant.
Bus service will leave at the bottom of each hour, with return trips at the top of each hour. The first bus will leave at 10:30 a.m.
RSVPs are requested but are not essential.
To RSVP, contact Jen Scott at jen@SSNWHQ.com.
For more information, contact Scott or phone Security Services Northwest at 877-876-4750 or email jen@ssnwhq.com.
