TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE DRAYTON FIRE DEPARTMENT 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 Drayton Fire Department is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary in 2013; and

Whereas, although the Drayton Fire Department was formally organized in 1963, this respected community institution had volunteers running fire calls from a shed outside Drayton Mill in the 1950s. At first, the department did not have a fire truck, so its firefighters used an old pickup truck that carried a hose and tools. The first fire truck the department purchased was a 1963 Baker; and

Whereas, for half a century now, the Drayton Fire Department has served its community. It also has run mutual-aid calls with the Converse Fire Department since 1981 and with the Cowpens Fire Department since 2004, for an average of 375 calls per year; and

Whereas, the department strives to prepare its men and women with the best training and experiences possible. Training opportunities are offered two to three times per month; and

Whereas, believing strongly in active community involvement, the department participates in fundraisers and helps families in troubled times. In addition, Drayton firefighters visit local schools to stress the importance of fire safety and prevention. Their territory consists of a day school, one private school, two special-needs schools for children and adults, and three retirement facilities. On request, they also conduct fire-extinguisher training for the businesses in their district; and

Whereas, under the leadership of Chief Michael Comer, the Drayton Fire Department works every day to provide the best emergency service possible; 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 Drayton Fire Department on fifty years of fine service to the citizens of Drayton. 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 Drayton Fire Department 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 Drayton Fire Department.