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TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR FIRE CHIEF NORMAN KNIGHT OF THE MURRELLS INLET-GARDEN CITY FIRE DISTRICT UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO THANK HIM FOR HIS FORTY YEARS OF PROVIDING OUTSTANDING FIRE SERVICE IN SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives has learned that Norman Knight, fire chief of the Murrells Inlet-Garden City Fire District (MIGCFD), has completed forty years of providing distinguished fire service in South Carolina, the past twenty with the MIGCFD, and that he officially retired on January 24, 2020; and
Whereas, beginning his career as a full-time firefighter/dispatcher with the St. Matthews Fire Department (SMFD) in 1979, this Charleston native was appointed in 1982 as SMFD fire chief. In 2000, he took up his duties as fire chief of the Murrells Inlet-Garden City Fire District; and
Whereas, when the new MIGCFD chief arrived, the department had two stations, with five firefighters working each shift, and ran about 1,900 calls a year. The department now has four stations, with eighteen firefighters working each shift, and has on its 2019 record about 6,200 calls. It added an ambulance service when the Murrells Inlet-Garden City Rescue Squad ceased operations; and
Whereas, greatly respected for his expertise, Chief Knight has served in leadership roles not only in his own fire district but also in county, state, and regional organizations related to fire services. He has served as president of several organizations, including the South Carolina Emergency Preparedness Association (1998-2000), South Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs (1989-1990), Horry/Georgetown County Fire Chiefs (2004-2005), Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs (2009-2010), and South Carolina State Firemen's Association (2002-2003). In addition, Chief Knight has served as a member of the South Carolina State Fire Commission (1993-1995); and
Whereas, in recognition of his spirit of excellence and committed service to the people of South Carolina, Norman Knight has been granted various honors, among them the St. Matthews Fire Department Firefighter of the Year award (1986) and the Calhoun County Firefighter of the Year award (1987). He is also a life member of the St. Matthews Fire Department (1990) and the South Carolina State Association of Fire Chiefs (1990), which bestowed on him its most prestigious honor, the Fritz Turner Award (1993). Further, he was inducted into the South Carolina Firefighters Hall of Fame (2004); and
Whereas, during Chief Knight's tenure, the Murrells Inlet-Garden City Fire District's ISO rating improved from Class 4 to Class 2. The fire district is now being considered for a Class 1 rating, a distinction achieved by fewer than 5% of the fire departments in the nation; and
Whereas, to recognize Chief Knight for his many years of service, his colleagues and friends will host a retirement celebration in his honor on Saturday, February 22, 2020; and
Whereas, grateful for the legacy of consistent commitment and excellence Chief Knight has bestowed on the people of South Carolina, most particularly those of Murrells Inlet and Garden City, the House takes great pleasure in saluting him on his service and many accomplishments and in extending best wishes for the days ahead as he enters retirement. 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 Fire Chief Norman Knight of the Murrells Inlet-Garden City Fire District upon the occasion of his retirement, thank him for his forty years of providing outstanding fire service in South Carolina, and wish him continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Fire Chief Norman Knight.
This web page was last updated on February 12, 2020 at 11:39 AM