Security Services Northwest looks to recognize first responders with its Unity of Effort event, set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at the company headquarters, 250 Center Park Way, Sequim.
Unity of Effort is free and open to the public.
“For the past 20 years we held the Unity of Effort at our business location along Discovery Bay in Jefferson County,” Security Services Northwest president Joe D’Amico said. “With our business headquarters relocating to Sequim last fall, this year marks our debut in Clallam County. “All of the same first responder units have been invited, including those from Jefferson County.”
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island has confirmed that its search and rescue helicopter will make an appearance at Unity of Effort (subject to mission availability). Approval has been obtained from the FAA, and from the City of Sequim, D’Amico said.
At previous Unity of Effort events, helicopters and crew from the U.S. Army and Airlift Northwest have participated.
A field next to the Security Services Northwest headquarters, located just off Washington Street near downtown Sequim, has been secured for a helicopter landing zone. Communication efforts are underway with owners of other adjacent properties in terms of parking, etc., Jennifer Scott, Security Services Northwest vice president, said.
“We greatly appreciate the support shown by the City of Sequim, from the public works department to the police, fire marshal and city administration, and from our business neighbors,” Scott said. “They want our event to be successful and grow.”
D’Amico, a native of Port Townsend, said the location change provides the “Unity of Effort” event with a fresh start.
“The event has developed from having an armored car, fire truck and an ostrich to having helicopters, representatives of multiple branches of the armed services and dozens of local first responders,” D’Amico said.
Popular events such as the bucket brigade competition, straw pile toy find for children, bouncing house for children, and live music (the featured band is Hair Storm) all return. Attendees can expect to see a variety of displays, vendor booths and show-and-tell exhibits from fire districts, law enforcement, the U.S. military and Washington state agencies.
The Seattle Sea-Gals are sending a contingent, which also has become an annual attraction.
New this year, the food service will be available from a selection of food truck vendors parked on site. The annual .22-caliber target shooting contest returns, this time thanks to a “virtual” shooting simulator.
Vehicle parking is available on streets near the Security Services Northwest headquarters, and in the parking lot next door at Evergreen Collision Center & Towing, which is not open to the public on Saturdays.
