ST. MATTHEWS – Described as “heroes” and people who run into burning buildings instead of away from them, Calhoun County’s emergency responders, past and present, were honored by various officials Thursday evening on the seventh anniversary of the deadly Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on U.S. soil.

The event, which was part of the county’s 100-Year Celebration, was held in Calhoun County High School’s newly refurbished gym, saluting law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics, dispatchers and other emergency responders who help save lives and property every day.

The festivities opened with a procession and presentation of flags led by the Calhoun County High School Army Junior ROTC. Calhoun County Administrator Lee Prickett said the occasion was to honor all who have served the county in emergency services and to thank them for everything they do for the county.

Calhoun County E911 Coordinator Elaine Golden recognized all of the departments with a gift.

“(There) is no better time to pay tribute to emergency personnel,” Golden said.

She was followed by Jim Catoe, deputy director of the EMS Division of the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, who said Calhoun County offers the same services as the large counties in the state.

Catoe enumerated the many awards Calhoun County Emergency Services has garnered over the last few years, including being named “the sixth best (EMS) in the nation.”

Calhoun County Sheriff Thomas Summers praised the “sacrifices” all of the emergency responders make, and 1st Sgt. Richard Taylor of Troop 7, South Carolina Highway Patrol told the honorees, “I thank you for the Highway Patrol for what you do on a daily basis,” adding that the patrol could not do its job without the responders.

Norman Knight, chief of the Murrell’s Inlet Fire Department who formerly served as St. Matthews fire chief and Calhoun County emergency coordinator, recounted his experience after the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. He said people started dropping donations off at his department in Murrell’s Inlet, and after three weeks, more than $100,000 was collected.

Knight made a trip to New York to deliver the donations. He recounted his emotional visit to New York Police Department stations and NYFD stations and to Ground Zero, where the rubble was still smoldering.

“We can never forget who we are and where we came from,” Knight said, and he added, “Never forget the Charleston Nine.”

State Sen. John Land said all emergency responders are “heroes” and thanked them for what they do.

Rep. Harry Ott concluded the evening’s remarks, saying, “It takes a special person to run into a burning house and not run away from it. On behalf of the people in the county, thank you.”

Upcoming Calhoun County 100-Year Celebration events include:

* 100 Year Celebration Parade - Tentatively scheduled for the end of September or first of October (date TBA).

* St. Matthews Episcopal Church Oyster Roast in Fort Motte in October (date TBA).

* EMS Halloween and Health Fair, Oct. 31.

* Musical Tribute to Veterans (Big Band Music), Nov. 2, Tri-County Electric Cooperative Building.

* Cameron Community Christmas Concert, Cameron Lutheran Church in December (date TBA).

* Cameron Christmas tree Lighting and Celebration in December (date TBA).

* Sandy Run Christmas Parade, Sandy Run community, Dec. 20.

* Community Fire Works Display, Calhoun County Convalescent Center, Dec. 31.

T&D Correspondent Larry P. Jordan can be reached by phone at 803-874-3276.

You must be logged in to comment.