YONKERS — Empress EMS is planning a free Trunk-A-Treat event from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at its station at 722 Nepperhan Ave. Two ambulances will be decorated in spooky style, and there will be candy on hand for visitors.
“We’ll dress up the ambulances like mini haunted houses,” said event organizer Lt. Omar Stout. “We’ll have two ambulances, one from the Montefiore division and one from the Empress division.”
Stout said it was a way to get the public more familiar with what Empress does.
“People can actually get an insight into what EMS is about and the ins and outs of our operation,” he said. “So it will be for community engagement, and bringing the community together to create a welcoming environment for families and an opportunity to make lasting memories.”
He said the event is designed to engage the community in a different context than usual.
“Events like this can help our staff connect with the community outside of emergency situations. It helps build trust and shows that our involvement in the community goes beyond 911 calls. “
The event isn’t planned as a Touch-A-Truck, where participants explore ambulances and learn about the equipment inside them. However, Stout said if attendees want that experience, there will be other ambulances on site that could be available to explore.
“If anyone has interest, we can bring one over,” he said.
He said there would also be a costume contest, with gift cards being awarded to the winners.
