Monitor photo/Janice Grubbs-Vincik
The entrance to the Kaufman County Emergency Preparedness Festival celebrates first responders Sept. 20. 

Monitor photo/Carla Gray
Renee Fox (from left) holding Waylon Thomas is greeted by Sparky the fire dog. Sparky was caught walking around the Kaufman County Emergency Preparedness Festival Sept. 20. The festival offered free handouts, prizes, valuable information and more resources to make sure those in attendance are well prepared for any kind of disaster. 

Monitor photo/Carla Gray
Mason Maple collects lots of fun memorabilia from first responders at the Kaufman County Emergency Preparedness Festival Sept. 20.

Monitor photo/Carla Gray
Gun Barrel City Fire Department members Blane Arrington (from left), Terri Bradley and Mike Bradley give out coloring books and water bottles to children at the Kaufman County Emergency Preparedness Festival Sept. 20.

Monitor photo/Carla Gray
Henderson County Network Manager Jody Vincik (left) and wife The Monitor’s Director of Sales and Marketing Janice Grubbs-Vincik demonstrate the Cellular on Wheels (COW). The state of Texas has 10 of which two are in Henderson County. The COW is a mobile cellular tower that runs on a generator and can be deployed where fixed towers are unavailable.

Monitor photo/Carla Gray
Jason Coronado (from left) with sons Jacob and Lucus visit with Mabank Police Officer Lt. Otterline during the Kaufman County Emergency Preparedness Festival in Mabank. The festival spotlights first responders from Kaufman County and how citizens need to be prepared for an emergency.

Monitor photo/Carla Gray
Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative Director of Corporate Relations Bobbi Byford (from left)  and Public Relations Representatives Joy Long and Laura Melton talk to visitors about what to do in case of an emergency.