SHADY VALLEY, Tenn. (WJHL) — On Saturday, the 421 Area Emergency Services (AES) Volunteer Fire Department organized its inaugural Back to School Bash at Observation Knob Park.

Students approaching the upcoming school year enjoyed bounce houses, tours of the 421 AES Volunteer Fire Department and fire truck tours.

Payton Lynch, who handles public relations for the 421 VFD, mentioned that the event was an excellent opportunity for the community to interact with first responders in a relaxed, non-emergency environment.

“We aimed to provide you with an opportunity to get to know our local volunteer firefighters and auxiliary members while having a fun experience,” she stated.

To prepare for the new school year, the first 200 children at the bash received backpacks filled with supplies.

“We thought giving back and being allowed to meet us would be a two-for-one deal,” Lynch said.