During Lynwood Elementary School's Monster Mash Halloween event on Oct. 25, the Guilderland Fire Department responded when a youngster reported that his candy bag had become caught in a tree. Firefighters analyzed the situation and worked with members of the Fort Hunter Fire Department to devise a safe extraction strategy.

Using a ladder and cautious motions, the teams were able to retrieve the bag and return it to the student. The conversation demonstrated how community activities facilitate positive contact between first responders and families. The event went on uninterrupted, with firefighters on hand to assist school workers and attendees.