Letter: Thanks for articles on Clarendon County Fire Department

Posted
EDITOR'S NOTE: The following letter was written in response to a series of three articles written by Robert J. Baker about the Clarendon County Fire Department's 40th anniversary. We would be remiss if we did not thank the historical research and photographs provided by former Chief Carter Jones. He really did a majority of the work. Allow me to first thank The Manning Times for the in depth, historically accurate account of the formation of the Clarendon County Fire Department. The articles were very well written, informative and worthy of saving for future generations. It occurred to me that, over the last 40 years, many of Clarendon County residents have never known Clarendon County without county wide fire protection. They may have taken this service for granted, as it has always been available to them. Your articles so aptly pointed out: this has not always been the case. If it were not for the many forward-thinking civic minded citizens, combined with willing county government officials, this life and property saving service would not exist as it does today. Your article clearly points out that the Clarendon County Fire Department is much more than “a group of people with a big white fire truck that comes to your house when you need them." They are a well-trained group of volunteers and full-time employees that eat, sleep and enjoy the service of helping others, regardless of the reason. The organization has been well blessed with excellent leadership, leadership in the fire service that extends beyond the county’s borders. This leadership has served as influential members of the South Carolina fire service. Any of these leaders would very quickly confirm that the department could not have made these accomplishments if it had not been for the many citizen firefighters that get out of their warm beds in the middle of the night to come to the aid of unknown citizens. As a 32-year volunteer firefighter with the city of Hartsville, I can assure the citizens of Clarendon County that you have a fire department to be proud of. Over the last 40 years, they have not only stayed abreast with the changing demands of the fire service, they have set an example for other departments to follow. These accomplishments have been made through a collective effort of dedicated people, from governmental leaders, department founders and leaders, to the most recent volunteer that signed on to be a part of this finely tuned organization. They are all your friends, your neighbors, citizens of Clarendon County. Be proud of them, as they are proud and honored to be able to serve you. BILL SEGARS Hartsville