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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE IRMO FIRE DISTRICT FOR THE VALUABLE PUBLIC SERVICE IT RENDERS TO ITS COMMUNITY EVERY DAY AND TO CONGRATULATE THE DEPARTMENT AT THE CELEBRATION OF ITS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY.
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the Irmo Fire District is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary in 2013; and
Whereas, founded in June 1963, the Irmo Fire District (IFD) was given a building at 6358 St. Andrews Road in 1964 to be used as the new fire house, and in 1965 the fire house's first fire truck was purchased. An all-volunteer operation until 1973, the IFD hired its first full-time firefighters that same year. The department added the first ladder truck in service in Lexington County to its equipment in 1989; and
Whereas, in 1996, the IFD became the first fire department in South Carolina to use thermal-imaging technology for firefighting. Home to the Midlands' only community-based air ambulance, IFD is also a site for certified child-safety seat installers and is the 2012 Safe Kids of the Midlands Fitting Station of the Year. In addition, IFD delivers fire-safety education to more than five thousand elementary school children in School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties; and
Whereas, the department has been honored in various ways during its history. It was named the "Watchdog for the Taxpayers" by the Lexington County treasurer, and two Irmo firefighters were named South Carolina State Firefighters' Association Firefighter of the Year in 2005 and 2010, respectively; and
Whereas, to cover its territory of about twenty-eight square miles, primarily in Lexington County, the department strives to prepare its men and women with the best training and experiences possible under the leadership of Fire Chief Mike Sonefeld. Using training and education as a solid foundation, this respected community institution is committed to providing professional fire and life safety services to the citizens of the community in a fiscally responsible manner; and
Whereas, believing strongly in active community involvement, the department sponsors the Irmo Fire Hi-Intensity Team. This team participates in firefighter challenges and community events with the aim of improving physical-fitness awareness. Setting an example, they display resilience, stamina, dedication, and physical strength. Further, the group supports various charities, including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and National Kidney Foundation, and raises funds to assist families of fallen firefighters and first responders; and
Whereas, cognizant that the department's value to the community it serves is incalculable, the House of Representatives takes great pleasure in saluting the Irmo Fire District on fifty years of fine service to the citizens of Irmo. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Irmo Fire District for the valuable public service it renders to its community every day and congratulate the department at the celebration of its fiftieth anniversary.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to the Irmo Fire District.
This web page was last updated on May 22, 2013 at 1:28 PM