SUMTER, S.C. (July 15, 2020) – The Sumter Fire Department has been designated as a Fire Safe SC Community by Fire Safe South Carolina for its active engagement in community risk reduction.
The community designation recognizes local fire departments that have worked to complete goals to reduce fire-related injuries, promote consistent messaging, improve data quality and provide valuable resources. “The men and women of the Sumter Fire Department serve our community in many ways, but their dedication to ensuring the highest standards of public safety is their most commendable service,” stated Joe McElveen, Mayor of City of Sumter.
The Sumter Fire Department is one of 57 South Carolina fire departments to receive the designation. According to Fire Safe South Carolina officials only about 10 percent of fire departments receive this recognition.
The designation comes as the Sumter Fire Department has invested in educating the public on fire prevention and safety. These investments include a free smoke detector installation program and opportunities to observe demonstrations led by firefighters designed to reinforce education and prevention. “The Sumter Fire Department is committed to the citizens of Sumter,” stated Karl Ford, Sumter’s Fire Chief. “Our firefighters go into schools, daycare centers, churches, visit civic groups and are present at all city events and festivals to provide a proactive approach to fire safety education.”
Fire Safe South Carolina’s partners include the South Carolina Sate Firefighters’ Association, the South Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs and the South Carolina Fire Marshal Association. “We congratulate designees, to whom alarm resources are available, and are providing each a custom Fire Safe SC Community sign denoting their success,” stated Josh Fulbright, State Fire’s CRR Chief.
For a full list of Fire Safe South Carolina recipient communities, visit http://firesafe.sc.gov/docs/2019%20FSSC%20Communities.pdf.
For more information on fire education and prevention in Sumter, visit www.sumterfiredepartment.com.
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