Big rigs spotlight public services in Sammamish 

Sammamish firefighters, police officers, and city workers spent the morning of Saturday, May 16 showing families into and around the vehicles essential to the city. The event, called Big Rigs on the Plaza, brought the Sammamish community together to learn more about the people and tools that keep Sammamish safe and running.

The Sammamish Police, Eastside Fire and Rescue, utility and construction workers, and other essential groups participated in the event hosted by the City of Sammamish. Their workers showed residents young and old what their daily job looks like.

A crowd filled the plaza throughout the morning and early afternoon, and families continued to arrive at a steady pace. Many kids lined up to explore and interact with the vehicles present.

“We love being out and about, so [it] is stellar to be out here. The engagement is awesome. I started as a little one and I have pictures at my house wearing the little red fire helmet,” firefighter Michael Griffin, 30, said.

Griffin, a former Sammamish resident, grew up going to the annual Big Rigs event, and so it was special for him to now be hosting the firetruck exhibition for Eastside Fire and Rescue. 

Kids moved from truck to truck, climbed into police cars and construction vehicles, and heard stories similar to Griffin’s. Memorabilia, such as plastic fireman hats, were a fan favorite, and parents snapped photos of their kids while learning alongside them. 

For both families and the public service workers, the event was more than entertainment. It was a way to unite the community and educate Sammamish. For many kids, the event gave them a chance to imagine themselves in similar public service roles in the future. 

“Seeing everybody out here, and all the people who work here; police officers, animal control — everybody’s working for the community,” said Scott MacDonald, a 40-year-old parent attending with his child.