NORTH AMERICAN RESCUE DONATES FIREFIGHTER SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT

UPDATE: Although this release was originally posted on September 23, 2010, the donation was presented on October 1 at North American Rescue's headquarters off of I-85 in Greenville County. The above video was shot following the presentation.

More than $20,000 in innovative Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) Firefighter Survival Equipment goes to Boiling Springs Fire District.

(Greer, SC / September 23, 2010) This month North American Rescue is donating more than $20,000 in innovative Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) Firefighter Survival Equipment to their local fire service, Boiling Springs Fire District. The equipment donated includes 75 Firefighter Survival Kits, 75 Bail Out Kits, 10 Roof Rescue Kits, and 18 High Anchor Kits.

The VooDoo® line of Firefighter/RIT Survival Gear was designed to overcome the factors of survival stress and developed to decrease firefighter mortality. By carrying the least amount of equipment with the most versatile number of applications, firefighters are better equipped to successfully execute a rescue while operating in unpredictable and unforgiving situations on the fireground.

Firefighter Survival Kits, comprised of wire cutters, knives, harnesses, and a variety of special cords, ropes, and carabiners, can accomplish a wide range of rescue operations with minimal equipment. Bail Out Kits allow for firefighters to bail out under extreme circumstances while maintaining control of their descent. Roof Rescue Kits make it possible to perform multiple simultaneous rescues via roofs, balconies, or windows, allowing rescuers to access places outside the reach of ladders. High Anchor Kits enable the hoisting and lowering of victims with fewer personnel and are specially designed for rapid set up and deployment.

This gear will better equip the firefighters with the tools needed for a means of egress from multi-story structures and other numerous lifesaving interventions in times of entrapment and distress. The NAR representatives responsible for spearheading this donation are President Samuel D. Wyman III, CFO Dean Bugner, COO Jim Carino, and Director of Non-Military Products Brent Bronson.

“We’re honored to have the opportunity to support the brave first responders of the Boiling Springs Fire Department. It’s great knowing that their service plays an important role in the safety of our community,” said Samuel D. Wyman III, President of North American Rescue. “In keeping with the passion of our business, we have a sincere desire to see this donation of firefighter survival gear help increase their survivability in the line of duty so that they can return home safe to their families.”

Chief Steve Graham of Boiling Springs said, “The Boiling Springs Fire District is grateful to receive this equipment that we otherwise would not be able to afford.”

“By deploying these kits provided by North American Rescue, we can enhance the safety of not only our firefighters but those responders in our neighboring departments as well,” Graham added.

About North American Rescue

North American Rescue, LLC, based in Greer, South Carolina, has enjoyed the honor of serving their country, community, and customers for over a decade. By providing innovative casualty care solutions to first responders, health care professionals, and security forces at home and abroad, NAR is leading the fray to decrease preventable death on the battlefield, whether it be a foreign combat zone or the streets of America.

For media inquiries regarding North American Rescue, please contact Lonnie Johnson by e-mail at marketing@NARescue.com or by phone at 864/675-9800.

About the Boiling Springs Fire District

Established in 1968 and located on Greenville County’s Eastside, the Boiling Springs Fire District covers 15 square miles and serves over 26,000 residents. Governed by five commissioners recommended by county council and appointed by the governor, the Boiling Springs Fire District is a special purpose district responsible for addressing specific concerns and local issues among commercial and residential interests through 40 paid personnel and 20 volunteers operating out of 3 fire stations. The Boiling Springs Fire District is South Carolina’s only ISO Class 1 fire department with a combination of paid and volunteer fire fighters.

For media inquiries regarding the Boiling Springs Fire District, please contact Taft Matney by e-mail at taft@taftmatney.com or by phone at 864/505-8866.

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A GHOULISH PROCESS

It seems ghoulish. Political professionals have a bad enough reputation as it is, but when you throw something like this in to the mix, it’s tough to put a smiling face on the profession’s reputation.

I’m talking about the flurry of activity when an officeholder or party nominee passes away.

We’re unfortunately facing this distasteful situation right now in Greenville County with the recent passing of Representative Bill Wylie.

Representative Wylie was loved in his community, involved in local philanthropy, and a sharp-minded businessman who passed away on a Saturday night while dancing with his wife at a college class reunion.

By Sunday, as Bill’s family was still being notified, phones were lighting up across the state with discussions taking place to see who would run for his seat.

Before I go any further, if you're a political activist or a campaign professional, stop reading now. This isn't for you. You'll just say, "Of course. Who doesn't know that?" Well, plenty of people don't, so I'm not writing this note for you. I’m writing this for real people who want to know the answer to a couple of questions:

1. Why can't these vultures at least wait until he's laid to rest before fighting over his seat?
2. Have they no couth?

The answer to question two is easy to answer. No. The first requires a little more explanation, so here goes.

Frankly, even as someone who's involved in the process, it gives me pause, too. I don’t think I'd be human if it didn't. There's a feeling in the pit of my stomach that knows how this man served his district and state, is credited by many as the man who put Greenville on Southwest Airlines' radar, and didn't have the chance to be mourned properly.

There wasn't a choice, though, and that's what needs to be explained.

Bill passed away on Saturday the 11th, word began circulating a day later, and his funeral was Friday the 17th. Filing for the special primary opens tomorrow at Noon and lasts until Noon on the 28th with the special primary election slated for October 12. Does any of that matter, though?

Since Bill was originally running unopposed, it matters a lot because any certified political party can field a candidate. There were no Democrats running before, but now they can use this opportunity to put up a candidate for what is now an open seat (no incumbent). At the same time, Republicans will want a strong candidate to defend the seat, so at this point a five-way primary isn't out of the realm of possibility.

If all primary contests are settled with the October 12 special primary, the election for House 21 will stay on the November 2 general election ballot.

If there is the need for a runoff for any party, the special election for House 21 will be taken off the November 2 general election ballot and moved to a special election to be conducted in mid-December.

You with me so far?

South Carolina election law creates a tight timeline. It's one that's legalistically designed for the people of a district to be without their representative (or other elected official) for as short a time as possible. From a strategic standpoint, it's a way for groups with special interests (right wing, left wing, pro-gambling, anti-tax, and so on) to have their voices heard and potentially have their candidates elected.

If the election moves to a special date in December, the race will be decided by turnout -- specifically by who is able to get out their supporters and allies. People aren't as motivated to vote in special elections, so if you're a candidate and can motivate your people to vote on a random Tuesday, you just might get elected.

That's why we're hearing so much talk about so many people running for House 21 and why they started so soon. It wasn't because they were uncaring, unfeeling, or unappreciative of Bill Wylie's work. It was because under our system, both legally and strategically, they don't have time to wait.

Time is a commodity, no matter how you look at it, and it's rarely on your side.

Taft Matney is a partner with TM Public Relations, a strategic communications and governmental affairs firm in Greenville, SC. Follow him on Twitter (http://twitter.com/taftmatney) and "like" TMPR on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/TMPRGA).

MEDIA ADVISORY: BOILING SPRINGS FIRE DISTRICT TO COMMEMORATE 9/11 ANNIVERSARY

Contact: Taft Matney
Date: September 10, 2010
Phone: 864/505-8866
E-Mail: taft@taftmatney.com

On Saturday, September 11, 2010, the Boiling Springs Fire District (BSFD) will hold a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at its headquarters located at 5020 Pelham Road in Greenville.

The ceremony will begin at 8:40 a.m. and will mark the time that the World Trade Center’s north tower was struck by American Airlines Flight 11 nine years ago at 8:45 a.m.

The BSFD Honor Guard will present the nation’s colors and post a set of firefighter’s turnout gear at the flagpole to honor responders who gave their lives.

Chaplain Gary Rogers will read the Firefighters’ Prayer, and a moment of silence will be observed.

BSFD has requested and been approved to receive a piece of steel from the World Trade Center that will be used as a centerpiece of a 9/11 memorial in front of the Pelham Road station. District officials hope to have the memorial completed with a dedication ceremony on the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

For planning purposes, directions to Boiling Springs’ headquarters are below.

From Greenville
Take I-85 North to Pelham Road
Bear right at the top of the exit ramp on to Pelham Road.
BSFD Headquarters is located on the right on the corner at the first traffic signal.

From Spartanburg
Take I-85 South to Pelham Road
Turn left at the top of the exit ramp on to Pelham Road.
After crossing back over I-85, BSFD Headquarters is located on the right on the corner at the intersection of Pelham and Garlington Roads.

About the Boiling Springs Fire District
Established in 1968 and located on Greenville County’s Eastside, the Boiling Springs Fire District covers 15 square miles and serves over 26,000 residents. Governed by five commissioners recommended by county council and appointed by the governor, the Boiling Springs Fire District is a special purpose district responsible for addressing specific concerns and local issues among commercial and residential interests through 40 paid personnel and 20 volunteers operating out of 3 fire stations. The Boiling Springs Fire District is South Carolina’s only ISO Class 1 fire department with a combination of paid and volunteer fire fighters.

For media inquiries, please contact Taft Matney by e-mail at taft@taftmatney.com or by phone at 864/505-8866.

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CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF THE UPSTATE CELEBRATES 1st BIRTHDAY

The Children's Museum of the Upstate celebrated its first anniversary by throwing itself a birthday party on Thursday, July 29, 2010 at the museum.

With TMPR's Senior Executive Consultant and VP of Community Relations Addy Matney being so heavily involved with the museum over the past seven years (first through the Circle of The Children's Museum and now as a member of the museum's board), the Children's Museum holds a special place here.

In this photo from Heidi Heilbrunn of THE GREENVILLE NEWS, you can see Addy's arm, eyebrow, and top of her head directly behind the woman standing front row center. She's never been one to look for the spotlight, though.

Addy's volunteer work is more focused on making the community better than it was when she found it, and TMPR is proud to support those efforts. After all, this is our home, too.