On Nov. 6, 2008, Amanda Jahn of Dwight, Il. called her husband to tell him she would be home soon. Ann Marie Getz, driving under the influence of alcohol, ran a stop sign. Kaitlyn, an 11-month old, and Ryan, 3, were thrown from the car. Amanda was pinned inside. The children were pronounced dead at the hospital, Amanda at the scene.
Illinois reported 2.73 deaths per 100,000 caused by impaired judgement in 2017 alone.  Roughly 80 people lose their lives each year at railroad crossings in the State. In Illinois, per 1,000 fires, 3.5 people died while 15 were injured in 2019 alone.

“Being a first responder means more than just responding to an emergency,” said UIS Police Officer Adam Rade. Officer Rade spearheaded the first-ever UIS Police Department Public Safety Day on Saturday, September 25. Several local agencies attended aiming to educate Springfield-area kids on an  array of public safety measures.

Agencies that attended included:
– UIS Police and Illinois State Police taught children about road safety, steps to take in an emergency and the duties of a police officer
– The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office held a K-9 demonstration
– The Springfield Fire Department discussed fire safety Illinois- Illinois
– Ameren Illinois demonstrated power line safety
– A Life Flight helicopter landed and was on display
– Operation LifeSaver taught railroad safety

“This event serves as a chance to teach people about apparent and hidden dangers of everyday life, while also educating kids, and adults alike, on what first responders truly do,” Adam Rade said. “Nobody wants to see somebody hurt or in peril.  This event serves as a chance to teach people about apparent and hidden dangers of everyday life, while also educating kids, and adults alike, on what first responders truly do.”

In accordance with UIS’ United in Safety guidelines, unvaccinated individuals who could not maintain 6-feet of social distance were required to wear a mask. Vaccinated individuals were required to wear a mask outdoors.