FORT MOTTE, S.C. – The safety of firefighters on routine calls was the topic at the recent Calhoun County Firefighters Association meeting at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. The host for the meeting was the Fort Motte Volunteer Fire Department.

Association President Robert Collier introduced Randy Coleman, Fort Motte fire chief and Calhoun County Fire Commission chairman, who presented a video on the safety of fire department personnel when answering routine fire calls.

Coleman said while everyone is very cautious at big, dangerous incidents, fire departments can become complacent on the routine calls.

In his report on the Calhoun County Fire Commission, Coleman the panel is working on procedures and standard operating guidelines for working motor vehicle accidents. He said they are presently soliciting input from fire, EMS and law enforcement personnel.

The commission is also considering buying ANSI-approved vests to be worn by personnel on scene, Coleman said.

He said the county commission has been working on the radio reception problems. The commission plans to have an outside agency come in to remedy the situation.

Also during the meeting, Collier reported that the association has a balance of $1,865.41.

The fire department representatives were reminded nominations for Calhoun County Firefighter of the Year nominations are due in November.

It was agreed that the group’s next meeting will be rescheduled for Nov. 18. Coleman made a motion to switch the meeting to every other month beginning the first of the year. The motion, however, was tabled until all of the department fire chiefs are available to discuss the proposed change.

Collier expressed concern about the “scarce” participation at the meetings, with six departments absent from the September meeting.

The association’s next meeting is set for Oct. 28 at the Caw Caw Volunteer Fire Department.

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

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