The Union County Fire Marshal's Office has been distinguished as Agency of the Year by Safe Kids Union County, a nod to their dedication to fire safety, prevention, and education within the community. Safe Kids Union County, associated with Atrium Health Union, commends the Fire Marshal's Office for its initiatives directed at protecting the community's most susceptible members - particularly children and the elderly - through innovative partnerships and outreach efforts.
Ongoing collaborations like those with the Union County Library facilitated children's fire-safety book readings, and senior-focused cooking and fire-safety presentations, both specifically aimed at demographic groups prone to higher risks of fire-related incidents. The Fire Marshal's Office didn't stop there, they spread their message through social media content and educational videos by working closely with Union County Public Communications, which were pivotal in ramping up public awareness on the gravity of fire safety.
Highlighted amongst their commendable projects is a video spotlighting the critical role of school fire inspections, which included an interview with a survivor of the historical Our Lady of Lourdes school fire; this served to reinforce the life-saving impact of preemptive inspections and the imperative of community alertness. Fire Marshal Jon Williams expressed the team's pride, "Being recognized as Agency of the Year is an honor for our entire team," he told Union County. He attributed the award to their unwavering mission to protect lives through strategic education, prevention measures, and fostering robust partnerships.
Backing the sentiment, Deputy County Manager Patrick Niland acknowledged the strides taken by the Office to lift community safety standards stating, "Our Fire Marshal's Office continues to elevate community safety," as mentioned on the Union County website.
