Six 4-Hers get a close-up look at local government

Police Chief Nixon, Maria Hendrickson, Morgan Moen, Tyler Irwin, Keagen Einck, Kaylee Knight and Steven Sexton.

Six members of the Winneshiek County 4-H Citizenship Group have gotten a deeper look at local government, touring the Decorah Police Department and Decorah Fire Department last weekend.

Decorah Police Chief Bill Nixon greeted the 4-H members, who toured the 911 Communication Center.  The 4-Hers also got to see technology updates made to Decorah police vehicles. Conversations concluded with the topic of law enforcement careers and opportunities.

Decorah Fireman Darrin Sanders then gave the group a tour of the Decorah Fire Station.  Sanders showcased the department vehicles and equipment used by fireman.  4-H'ers also learned about weekly training components, career options, dispatch protocol, and experienced suiting up with air packs.

This group of 4-H'ers are part of a two-year 4-H Citizenship Project with ISU Extension and Outreach in northeast Iowa. The first year of the project focused on local, area and state government while the second year is focused on a connection to Washington D.C. and the federal government.