The city is holding a public safety fair Sept. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at City Hall. City event planner Susannah Hutchins said the city decided that holding the public safety fair on September 11 would be a "good memorial opportunity for the occasion."

Residents can enjoy a free taco dinner and get information on public health and safety. The police department, along with United Fire Authority, will perform extrication and rescue demonstrations. Costco, one of the event's sponsors, will provide a free bounce house for small children. There will also be prize drawings every 30 minutes.

"Part of why people are excited for this event is so they can meet the new officers that will be protecting them. This is a great opportunity to do that," said Hutchins.

The new police department opened its doors on September 1. The open house will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Officer Beau Babka is hoping Cottonwood Heights residents will come to the police department open house so that they can get to meet the 34 officers that will be policing the city.

"We want them to see what the police department looks like. Hopefully it's not scary," Babka said. "We want to build a partnership with the community. We want them to get to know the offers and they can call us by our first name. It's not us versus them."

Cottonwood Heights police department may be new, but Babka said the officers have an average of 12 years of experience.

"We're ready to hit the street," he said.

The safety fair is every other year, alternating with "Barks in the Park," an event for pet owners.

For more information about either event, visit www.cottonwoodheights.utah.gov.

If you go to the safety fair

* WHAT: Cottonwood Heights Safety Fair

* WHEN: Sept. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m.

* WHERE: City Hall, 1230 E. Fort Union Blvd.

* For more information, visit www.cottonwoodheights.utah.gov.