OC recognized for Fire and Life Safety

During the recent meeting of the South Carolina Fire Chiefs Association, Oconee County was recognized for its efforts in Fire and Life Safety. The Oconee County Fire Department was presented with the 2013 Richard Campbell Award for Excellence in Public Fire Safety Education. Oconee County was one of two departments in South Carolina to be awarded, along with the City of Myrtle Beach Fire Department. Over the past two years, Oconee County firefighters have committed themselves to making the community fire safe. During 2011, Oconee County experienced over $5 million in property damage and the loss of five lives from the effects of residential fires. The Oconee County Fire Department was recognized for its work at public education events that touched nearly 5,000 residents, installation of over 400 smoke detectors, making available smoke detectors to hearing and sight impaired and actively conducting commercial business inspections. The volunteers of the Safety and Fire Education Team are responsible for delivering fire prevention programs within Oconee County. The team is comprised of 15 firefighters and staff members from various stations throughout the county.