New BAPD Chief Lance Arnold Makes his Camp Bandage Debut in Year 43

It might sound like an emergency, but it’s all part of Camp Bandage — a free, hands-on safety event that’s been teaching families in Broken Arrow how to prevent accidents and respond to them for more than four decades.

“We’re doing Camp Bandage here in Broken Arrow. We’ve done it here for 43 years,” said Camp Director Kurt Klein. “It’s where we teach children of all ages safety, first aid, disaster preparedness — and many, many more things.”

Emergency Scenarios That Feel Real

The annual event took over Central Park on Saturday afternoon with help from more than 90 exhibitors, including the Broken Arrow Police and Fire Departments, Tulsa LifeFlight, and the Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police.

This year’s capstone demonstration was a simulated car accident. Kids watched and participated as emergency crews responded in real time — including mock dispatch calls, fire response, and airlift support.

“If you teach children something at a young age, they probably will carry it over for years and years and years,” Klein said. “What you learn could save a life. And that’s our motto.”

A New Chief's First Camp Bandage

Broken Arrow Police Chief Lance Arnold, who took the role in January, said it was his first time attending Camp Bandage — and he was blown away.

“It was packed. It was a great day,” Arnold said. “The more people understand what we do, who to call when they need help, how agencies work together — that’s what makes the community safer.”

Arnold said events like this help kids connect with public safety officers in a positive environment — and teach valuable lessons just in time for summer.

CPR, Pet Safety, Disaster Prep — and More

Camp Bandage isn't just about watching—it’s about doing. Attendees could try CPR, learn about brain injuries, understand pet safety, and even test disaster prep skills.

Volunteer Jay Smith said he didn’t plan to learn CPR—but he’s glad he did.

“They were like, ‘You want to learn?’ I was like, sure,” Smith said.

More Than Just for Kids

While the event is designed with kids in mind, Klein says the safety messages resonate with adults, too.

“It gives you a lot of satisfaction that you’re helping other people and helping little kids,” he said. “I’m not a police officer, but this is my little bit of ability to maybe help.”