HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-05-2023; 8-u - Proclamation Recognizing Orange Grove Fire Department’s 50th Anniversary 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 5, 2023
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-u
SUBJECT: Proclamation Recognizing Orange Grove Fire Department's 50t" Anniversary
DEPARTMENT: Emergency Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Kirby Saunders, 919-245-6123
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation recognizing Orange Grove Fire Department's 50'
Anniversary.
BACKGROUND: Following the occurrence of several fires on dairy farms in the Orange Grove
community, local farmers gathered and petitioned for the development of a local fire department.
In December 1972, the Orange Grove Fire Department was created. Comprised of local farmers
and community members, the department began training and in 1973 purchased its first fire
trucks. In 1974, a modest brick structure was constructed on land acquired from the then Snipes
brothers' dairy farm to serve as the new home for the department.
Since its founding, the Orange Grove Fire Department has provided critical fire protection, rescue,
and emergency medical services in the Orange Grove community. Today, the department is
comprised of 32 active personnel, 12-15 auxiliary members, and a host of retirees that serve the
community 24 hours a day, 7 seven days a week. The department has expanded its protection of
the community and now hosts three stations throughout its primary fire district. In 2022, the
department received its best ISO (Insurance Services Office) rating in the organization's history
by obtaining a Protection Classification of 5.
On September 11, 2023, Orange Grove Fire Department will be celebrating its 50t" Anniversary.
A proclamation recognizing the department's history of service is attached for Board
consideration.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of this
proclamation.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There is no Orange County Social Justice Goal impact associated
with this item.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the proclamation and direct the Clerk to the Board to forward the proclamation to the
Emergency Services Department for presentation to the Orange Grove Fire Department.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
Recognition of 50 Years of Service by Orange Grove Fire Department
WHEREAS, Fire Protection, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services are vital public services;
and
WHEREAS, members of the Orange Grove community recognized the need for such services in
late 1972 following a series of fires on local dairy farms; and
WHEREAS, local farmers, leaders, and community members joined together to form the Orange
Grove Fire Department in December, 1972; and
WHEREAS, community volunteers trained tirelessly and raised funds to purchase the
department's first fire trucks in 1973; and
WHEREAS, in 1974, the department acquired land on Orange Grove Road and constructed its
first fire station; and
WHEREAS, the members of the Orange Grove Fire Department have dedicated thousands of
hours to training, expanded the protection to the community by constructing additional stations,
and have continued to provide exceptional service for more than 50 years; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to recognize and appreciate the value and accomplishments of the
50 years of service of Orange Grove Fire Department;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, recognize the founders,
past and current members, and leaders of the Orange Grove Fire Department, who have
collaborated to sustain this vital public service for the past 50 years, and the Board wishes them
much success in their continued future service to the community.
This the 5'" Day of September 2023.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners