Sirens could be heard throughout Richmond Hill on Saturday when more than 30 agencies from all over the region set up displays as part of the 10th annual Public Safety Day hosted by the South Bryan Volunteer Firefighters Association and Bryan County Fire Department.
The event, held in the old Kroger parking lot, drew hundreds of people who participated in fire truck rides, fire extinguisher demonstrations, a blood drive and more. But the day wasn’t only about safety education – it was also about honoring the fallen.
South Bryan Volunteer Division Fire Chief Mike Smith and Capt. Asa Clay unveiled the plans for the Bryan County Fallen Firefighters and EMS Memorial during the event’s opening ceremony.
“Today we are raising funds to help support this memorial,” Smith said. “This will be the Bryan County Fire and EMS (memorial) and include Richmond Hill and Pembroke Fire Departments.”
Attendees could purchase bricks to be engraved and used as part of the memorial for $100. Proceeds from Saturday’s silent auction and brick sale, about $6,000 according to Smith, will go toward the memorial that will be behind the County Administrative Complex.
Smith noted the National Fallen Firefighters Association and Chatham County Fire Chiefs have also made donations towards the memorial. Clay said bricks can still be purchased by calling 727-2860.
Attendees also heard remarks from County Commission Chairman Jimmy Burnsed, County Commissioner Carter Infinger, Richmond Hill Mayor Harold Fowler and state Sen. Buddy Carter, R-Pooler.
Read more in the Oct. 12 edition of the News.