Firefighters to be honored in August

COLUMBIA — Gov. Mark Sanford will today sign a proclamation naming August Firefighter Appreciation Month, an annual declaration that holds special meaning this year.

"Firefighters are nothing short of heroes," said Joel Sawyer, Sanford's spokesman. "They risk their lives every day to keep the rest of us safe. It's not something we often think about, unfortunately, until a tragedy like the one in Charleston occurs."

Nine Charleston firefighters were killed in a June 18 blaze at the Sofa Super Store in West Ashley.

Representatives from a number of firefighter organizations are expected to attend the ceremonial signing in the governor's office. Members of the state's Muscular Dystrophy Association also are expected to participate.

The proclamation honors firefighters for their "strength, endurance, courage and selfless concern" as well as their daily service. It also recognizes the firefighters more than 50-year relationship with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and their work with the "Fill the Boot" campaign.

Ellie Sutherland, district director of the Lowcountry chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, said they are very thankful for the firefighters who have participated this year and in the past in the fundraising campaign.

The campaign begins in late July and runs through Labor Day, Sutherland said. This year, 10 fire stations are participating, down from 15 last year, she said. Participation is down, in part, due to the fatal fire.

Statewide, firefighters raised $305,000 last year with $87,567 of that coming from the Lowcountry, Sutherland said. The money stays in the local area and goes toward clinics and camps for those with muscular dystrophy, as well as to other causes.

Reach Yvonne M. Wenger at ywenger@postandcourier.com or 803-799-9051.