Emanuel County Fire & Rescue

Where the Devil dances, Emanuel County Fire & Rescue holds the line.

Led by Public Safety Coordinator Courtney Terwilliger, this department embodies bravery, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to the community, and with careful precision, it has the critical duty of protecting lives and property across Emanuel County around the clock.

Emanuel County Fire & Rescue's administrative offices are headquartered inside the Emergency Operations Center. Department-wide, we have 15 stations, 119 firefighters, 15 engines, one ladder truck, and a fleet of additional vehicles, and on average, we answer 2,000 service calls of various types each year.

The Mission

Emanuel County Fire and Rescue has four main objectives. These include:

Fire Prevention & Response

Emanuel County Fire & Rescue is dedicated to community safety through both proactive fire prevention measures and rapid emergency response. Our preventative efforts include installing smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, conducting comprehensive home safety checks, and advising residents on fire-safe practices. In addition to these in-home safety measures, our department actively engages in public outreach to foster a fire-aware community. We maintain a strong presence at local events such as festivals, parades, and Touch-a-Truck gatherings at area churches, bringing fire safety education directly to the public. We also connect with young students through school visits, including annual Farm Day, where children learn about fire prevention and the importance of emergency preparedness. By equipping homes with essential safety devices and educating residents of all ages, we aim to minimize fire incidents before they start, safeguarding lives and property throughout the county.

When fires do occur, our department is ready to respond swiftly and effectively. Emanuel County Fire & Rescue is proud to boast an average response time of just 2 minutes within the city limits of Swainsboro and around 7 minutes in our more remote areas. This quick response capability is vital for containing fires, protecting lives, and reducing property damage across Emanuel County.

Containing Hazardous Materials

In addition to fire response, our team is trained to handle incidents involving hazardous materials (or "hazmat"). Emanuel County Fire & Rescue’s specialized hazmat team is equipped to address situations that involve dangerous substances, ensuring the safety of our residents and environment. Our firefighters undergo rigorous training to manage hazmat emergencies effectively, and our protocols for handling such materials are aligned with best practices for health and safety. This capability adds a vital layer to our emergency response services, allowing us to respond to a broad range of threats with expertise and care.

Coordinating Drills & Training Sessions

A critical aspect of Emanuel County Fire & Rescue’s commitment to community safety is organizing and overseeing comprehensive training programs for our firefighters. Each year, our team undertakes regular drills and specialized training sessions, ensuring that every firefighter is well-prepared and fully certified. In line with state requirements, each firefighter completes a minimum of [INSERT HOURS] hours of training annually, covering essential areas such as rural firefighting techniques, hazardous materials response, and high-risk rescue operations.

This rigorous training program not only prepares our firefighters to handle diverse emergency scenarios but also plays a vital role in supporting our ISO rating objectives. By meticulously logging all training activities and reporting them to the appropriate authorities, Emanuel County Fire & Rescue upholds the high standards required to maintain low ISO ratings. Through ongoing education and skill development, we ensure that our team remains ready to serve and protect the residents of Emanuel County with confidence and expertise.

Providing Aid When Needed

Emanuel County Fire & Rescue regularly provides support for various emergency situations beyond fires, working closely with law enforcement, EMS, the coroner, 911, EMA, the Georgia Forestry Commission's Emanuel County unit, and other regional, state, and federal agencies for emergencies like vehicle accidents, health crises, and well-checks.

Last year, the department responded to [INSERT NUMBER] vehicle accidents and [INSERT NUMBER] medical assists, along with hundreds more calls covering a range of incidents.

We also answer calls, upon request, from Burke, Jefferson, Washington, Johnson, Treutlen, Toombs, Candler, Bulloch, and Jenkins counties when they're in need. This practice not only adds another layer of protection for our own citizens but also strengthens our relationships with our neighbors, ensuring we can call on their emergency teams to support us in times of need as well.

Lowering ISO Ratings

Emanuel County Fire & Rescue works diligently to achieve and maintain low Insurance Services Office (ISO) ratings, which play a crucial role in reducing property insurance costs for residents. These ratings are determined by evaluating several key areas of fire protection, including the department’s response capabilities, equipment, training, water supply, and communication systems. A lower ISO rating not only reflects the quality of fire protection services but also directly benefits property owners by lowering insurance premiums.

Currently, Emanuel County Fire & Rescue is undertaking a GPS mapping project to catalog all available water sources across the county, including hydrants, ponds, and other accessible water points. This project relies on existing county maps and involves close collaboration with other departments and municipalities, ensuring that our firefighters have precise, up-to-date information on water locations in every area. By streamlining access to water sources, this project will enhance our firefighting capabilities and further support efforts to achieve lower ISO ratings.

Emanuel County last saw an ISO rating reduction in 2019, thanks to these ongoing efforts. By continuing to enhance our infrastructure, expand our training programs, and invest in critical resources, we are committed to sustaining and further lowering ISO ratings in the future. This commitment not only enhances community safety but also provides financial relief to residents through reduced insurance costs.

Future Goals

Ambitious plans are underway for the next 12 months. In addition to plotting out all water sources in the county, we're launching two other projects in 2025 to strengthen connections within our team and the community.

Our public safety/fire support officer will introduce a countywide fire & rescue newsletter to keep every station connected and informed. We’re also rolling out a 7-day emergency kit plan to equip residents with essential resources for extended emergencies, further enhancing Emanuel County's preparedness.