Valley Center, Garden City police, fire make children's birthdays special during COVID-19

Public safety departments in Valley Center and Garden City are trying to bring joy to children's lives in the midst of uncertainty.

In Valley Center, the police and fire departments say they know the stay-at-home order makes it difficult to throw birthday parties for kids, so they're pitching in to help out.

Safety-department leaders in Valley Center say if you're throwing an at-home birthday party for your child, just let them know and they'll "drive by with the lights and sirens to wish your child a special Happy Birthday."

In Valley Center, parents can call 316-755-7325 ext. 301, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and leave your address, the time you'll have the child out front and a contact number.

"Please remember officers or firefighters may be on a call so both may not be able to respond at the time," Valley Center police say.

Garden City police and fire say parents with children between the ages of 3 and 9 can contact the police or fire departments by email to arrange a fire truck or police car to drive by their house and "give them a shout out."

You can reach the Garden City Police Department by sending an email to Sgt. Lana Urteaga: Lana.Urteaga@gardencityks.com. You can reach the Garden City Fire Department at Fire@gardencityks.us.