Clemson University Fire and Emergency Medical Services has been recognized in the state of South Carolina as a Fire Safe SC Community for a second consecutive year. Clemson Fire & EMS is one of 80 fire departments — and the only one among colleges and universities — honored in 33 counties across the state who actively worked to develop community risk reduction plans in 2020. View the complete list of departments honored online.
“I think the greatest achievement is that the recognition was accomplished this year during a worldwide pandemic,” said Rick Cramer, Clemson University fire chief. “Despite not being able to get out and meet our students and citizens face to face, we were still able to connect with them virtually. Our staff took the opportunity to go virtual with several summer camps, public safety citizens academies and several other groups, bringing the messaging of fire safety. While we really enjoy the face-to-face interaction with our citizens, we had to adapt to the situation we were presented with and our firefighters, like always, did a fabulous job!”
Designed “Fire Safe SC” communities continually work to reduce fire-related injuries in the state, thereby decreasing the risk for residents and firefighters. They also promote consistent fire safety messaging and stress the importance of providing all relative data collected at fire scenes. Overall, designated communities took creative and virtual approaches to community risk reduction and documented outreach educational opportunities for nearly 55,000 citizens.
Launched in 2017, Fire Safe SC’s partners include the State Firefighters’ Association, SC State Association of Fire Chiefs and SC Fire Marshal Association.