Monday, October 6, 2008
As fire prevention week gets underway in Georgia and Chatham county, firefighters hold a memorial service for a lost comrade.
Sunday bells sounded and bag pipes played for fire fighters who are now gone but not forgotten. The names of the fallen heroes were called and those in attendance were taken back to 1991, the last firefighter fatality.
Norman Simmons died in 1991 as he attempted to put out a blaze. "He was putting out a fire at a church and the hose struck him. He passed away from the injuries," said Samantha Simmons, daughter of fallen firefighter.
There are 25 names listed on the Chatham Fire Memorial, and Savannah Fire Chief Charles Middleton said as they pay tribute to each man, they are working to make sure no more names are added to the list. "Personnel safety was something that was spoken about for many years in the fire service but now it's come full circle that safety is the 1st objective to make sure everyone goes home."
Those changes include a better way to account for personnel as well as latest training and updated equipment. "Many fire fighter deaths are preventable, so what we do is work extra hard to make sure we can prevent as many as we can,"said Middleton.
Officials say the key to prevention is learning from the past and ceremonies like Sunday's Memorial service, will make sure the past is never forgotten.
Sunday also marks the start of fire prevention week. All across the country people will be highlighting fire safety not only for firefighters, but also for the community. The first activity for the week is a citizen fire safety academy held on October 6th from 6pm-9pm. The event is free and open to the public.
Copyright 2008 by WJCL 22 / ABC and WTGS / FOX28, The Coastal Source.
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