36th annual LFR Fun Run held at Lincoln Children’s Zoo

A lot of area families came out to the Lincoln Children’s Zoo for a special event.

Saturday was the 36th annual Lincoln Fire and Rescue Zoo Fun Run.

It’s a family friendly, general public safety day for the community.

“We kicked off the day with a one mile fun-run walk with the kids and their families and they were able to check out the outside of the zoo. And then we allowed them to come see our fire engines, go through our fire safety house, check out LPD’s cruisers, Lincoln Electric System and then our 9–1–1 center is here as well,” said LFR Fire Captain Dan Ripley.

The day started with a one mile trek around the perimeter of the zoo grounds.

Afterwards, community members got a chance to take tours of the fire trucks, engines, and LFR’s fire safety house.

“We lucked out with the weather, and so we’re able to sit down and really just educate our community on, not only what we do, but how they can be safe. From a fire safety standpoint, from when they call 9–1–1, talking to a dispatcher, and also interacting with our law enforcement officers as well,” said Captain Ripley.

Lincoln Electric System was also there to do a power line safety demonstration!

“They do a very cool electrical safety demonstration, it’s probably one of the highlights of most people’s day, and we like it as well, it’s pretty sweet,” said Ripley.

Ripley says these types of events help build relationships with community members, and the kids love getting up close and personal with the fire trucks!

“As firefighters, that’s one of our passions, is we just want to hangout with people, we want to let them know who we are and let them see what we do,” said Ripley.

The event attracted a lot of families, including about 500 children, according to LFR.

Everyone who participated also received a free train ride, courtesy of the children’s zoo!