Grand opening and open house activities will be held at the new Redmond EMS station at the Aragon Fire Department from 11:30 until 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 21.

This is Redmond’s fourth station in Polk County. Officials note that it will give a quicker response time for not only the citizens of Aragon but also the surrounding area.

“We are very excited that Redmond made the decision to become a part of the Aragon community,” said Mayor Ken Suffridge. “We are fortunate to be able to provide space for their new station at no cost to the citizens.”

As part of the observance, Safe Kids Day activities will also be held. Redmond is the lead agency for Safe Kids in Polk County, according to Marty Robinson, coordinator.

“We will be teaching kids about safety,” he said.

Redmond will be giving out free bicycle helmets until the supply is depleted. Free hot dogs and other goodies will also be distributed.

The Aragon Police Department will be the agency responsible for the Safe Kids Day venue. However, the Aragon Volunteer Fire Department will also be on hand to help teach fire safety to the children.

Lt. John Goodwill, Aragon Police Department, and Jennifer Delgado, Neighborhood Watch organizer, will attend to assist with activities.

“I am so pleased with the enthusiasm shown by the many citizens who are embracing this new project,” Suffridge said. “This is a first for Aragon as we continue promoting a promising future.”

Safe Kids in Polk County is part of a nationwide network of organizations, which has a mission of preventing unintentional childhood injury, the leading cause of death and disability for children ages 1 to 14.