Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers To Host Largest-Ever Children’s Safety Expo at John D. Bradley Centre

Written By Andrew Tompsett

Chatham-Kent, ON – Families across Chatham-Kent are invited to mark their calendars for Sunday, September 14, 2025, as Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers hosts its biggest Children’s Safety Expo yet. The event will take place at the John D. Bradley Centre at 565 Richmond St, Chatham, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and admission is free for everyone.

This year’s Children’s Safety Expo promises to be both educational and fun, offering a unique opportunity for families to learn, connect, and strengthen their knowledge of child safety and protection. With interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities, and expert guidance from First Responders, it’s a day designed to empower children and parents alike.

“This year’s Children’s Safety Expo is the biggest one that Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers has held. We have so many partners joining us to make this an educational day that is also a lot of fun,” said Erica McIntosh, Crime Stoppers Coordinator. “This event is open for everyone and is free. I can’t wait to see all of the families and kids coming out to have a blast. After all, it’s not every day you get to see a car rollover, watch a vehicle be ripped apart, or even try out a fire extinguisher.”

One of the highlights of the day will be live demonstrations by local emergency services, giving kids and families a chance to experience safety education up close:

  • Fire Extinguisher Demo. Children can safely try out a fire extinguisher while learning how to use it properly in an emergency.

  • Jaws of Life Demonstration.  Watch as emergency crews cut apart a vehicle using specialized rescue equipment.

  • Rollover Simulator. A powerful visual demonstration showing the impact of a rollover crash on both vehicles and passengers.

The Expo will also feature several free clinics to help families take proactive steps in keeping their children safe:

  • Car Seat Clinic (Hosted by Linck). Qualified staff will check installations, ensure safety standards, and answer questions. Spaces are limited to the first 12 who register, making early registration essential. Learn more and register at www.ckcrimestoppers.ca.

  • Kids Fingerprint Clinic. Parents and caregivers can obtain free fingerprinting records for their children, creating an important tool for identification. Families receive a digital record to keep safe. Crime Stoppers does not store any personal information.

While the focus is safety, there will also be plenty of fun for everyone. Kids can enjoy games, activities, food vendors, and even a chance to meet live PAW Patrol characters. It’s a balance of education and entertainment that ensures families will not only learn but also make lasting memories.

For many children, the chance to explore emergency vehicles up close is an unforgettable experience. This year’s Expo will showcase a wide variety, including:

  • An armoured tank

  • Police vehicles including a boat and ATVs

  • Fire trucks and ambulances

  • A Mobile Command Trailer

  • And much more.

In addition to the demonstrations, First Responders and safety experts will share practical tips on child safety, from stranger danger awareness to digital safety in an online world. Families will leave with valuable resources to help them feel more prepared and confident in keeping their children safe.

The Children’s Safety Expo would not be possible without the collaboration of many community partners and emergency services working together. The event reflects Crime Stoppers’ mission of building safer communities by engaging families and providing resources that make a real difference.

“Keeping children safe is everyone’s responsibility,” McIntosh added. “Events like this bring the community together in a positive way, showing kids that First Responders are not only there to protect them but to connect with them, too.”

Learn more by visiting www.ckcrimestoppers.ca.

The Children’s Safety Expo is fun for all ages and includes free fingerprint clinics, car seat clinics, Jaws of Life demonstrations, Paw Patrol characters, games, and more.

The Children’s Safety Expo is fun for all ages and includes free fingerprint clinics, car seat clinics, Jaws of Life demonstrations, Paw Patrol characters, games, and more.

Event Details

  • Date: Sunday, September 14, 2025

  • Location: John D. Bradley Centre – 565 Richmond St, Chatham, ON

  • Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your family’s safety, enjoy a fun-filled day, and connect with the people who help protect our community.

Additional

  • Event partners include:

    • CHATHAM-KENT POLICE SERVICE

    • OPP

    • CK FIRE

    • CK EMS

    • CKLASS

    • MORAVIANTOWN POLICE

    • CRIME STOPPERS

    • LINCK

Andrew Tompsett
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