Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Three generations of firefighters: Morris family from Snelling VFD (Bobby, Neal, and Tyler).
BC Detention Center employees - L to R: Shannon Glover, Tomeka Washington, and Christopher Brown
BCSO employees Faith Jackson and Shamario O'Neal cooked grilled hot dogs.
Emeline Crouch, Raegan Harrington, and Ali Crouch.
Daryn Johnson, 7, of Barnwell.
Dottie Still and Thad Croft sample the cotton candy.
Lanie Still, 2, of Barnwell.
The Link family: Grayland, Jennifer Rahn Link and Logan.
Members of Long Branch VFD pass out candy.
Barnwell County first responders raced to the Snelling Town Park on Saturday, Oct. 15. There was no real emergency – just an opportunity to interact with the youngest residents of Snelling and its surrounding communities during the 3rd Annual First Responder Candy Walk.
The event, held during the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week, had representation from several Barnwell County rural fire districts, the S.C. Highway Patrol, the Barnwell County Sheriff’s Office and the Barnwell County Detention Center. Barnwell County First Steps was also on site to pass out books.
“Events like this are a good chance to talk to the community – especially children – about fire safety,” said Barnwell County Fire Coordinator Wesley Gatlin. “We want children to see who will be protecting them during a fire, or any emergency.”
Gatlin reminded homeowners they should check smoke alarm batteries monthly and practice a family fire escape plan.
S.C. Highway Patrol Trooper Logan Link offered a different perspective about his participation.
“I think it’s important for the kids, and members of the community, to see us being friendly while in uniform and not just authoritative,” Link said. “Plus, I really like seeing all the kids in their costumes.”
Link serves with SCHP Troop 7 Post C which serves Aiken County. He attended the event with his wife and daughter, Grayland.
While meeting first responders and gaining new knowledge about safety during emergencies was the main goal of the event, children also walked away with full treat bags.
“I got a lot of candy,” said Daryn Johnson, 7, of Barnwell. “That’s what made this thing so good!”
