This was far from the case Wednesday evening at the Tupper Lake Emergency Services Building, as 30 kids of all ages and grade levels lined up in front of the camera to get their photo taken by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department.

It was part of Operation SAFE CHILD, a statewide law enforcement public service effort that produces on-site, and at no charge, photo ID cards for families. If a child were to go missing, having those cards on hand — which contain fingerprint and biographical information — can save law enforcement crucial time in a search process.

Operation SAFE CHILD was one of many activities at Heroes and Helpers Night, which saw several dozen kids and their families turn out to learn more about the emergency and first responders who serve Tupper Lake, and have fun while doing so. There were coloring tables set up, along with stickers, balloons and replica Tupper Lake Volunteer Fire Department hard hats. Kids also had the chance to climb in emergency vehicles as part of the event’s touch a truck component.

Heroes and Helpers Night was organized by the newly formed Tupper Lake Central School District Parent Teacher Organization. Its president, Nina Hair, was heartened by the turnout at the first-ever event, especially given the day’s unsettled weather.

Brothers Aaryn, left, and Gunnar Dukette smile at the Heroes and Helpers Night held at the Tupper Lake Emergency Services Building on Wednesday evening. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

“We’re all very happy,” she said. “Despite the weather, I feel like we had a great turnout of families showing up, and I think the kids really enjoyed this a lot.”

Hair said the PTO was planning on holding the event again next year. To learn more about the group, visit tinyurl.com/3utfwjj2.

Nina, left, and Zoey Hair smile in front of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Operation SAFE CHILD table staffed by county Correction Officer Tyler Reome at the Heroes and Helpers Night held at the Tupper Lake Emergency Services Building on Wednesday evening. The statewide operation raises awareness about child safety. Kids can have an ID card with the child’s name, biographical information, fingerprint images of both index fingers and a high-resolution digital photo — all of which are meant to help law enforcement work quickly if a child goes missing. Nina Hair is the president of the newly-formed Tupper Lake Central School District Parent Teacher Organization, which put on the event. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Second-grader Theo smiles next to a Tupper Lake Volunteer Fire Department truck at the Tupper Lake Emergency Services Building on Wednesday evening during the Heroes and Helpers Night. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

From left, Axxel Lions, Roland Counter and Evie Counter smile at the Heroes and Helpers Night held at the Tupper Lake Emergency Services Building on Wednesday evening. The event was organized by the newly-formed Tupper Lake Central School District Parent Teacher Organization. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

Aaryn Dukette smiles for the camera held by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Correction Officer Clint Soula at the Heroes and Helpers Night held at the Tupper Lake Emergency Services Building on Wednesday evening. Also pictured is Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Correction Officer Tyler Reome.(Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)