Cat Rescue

Sandy Branch Fire Department received a call from an extremely distressed cat owner stating her cat was up a tall tree and would not come down. The cat had been trapped in the tree for more than 3 days, which meant that survivability time was running short. Chief Morris drove to the location to survey the situation to see what could be done. The cat was way too far up the tree for a ground ladder to reach. The use of the department's ladder truck was offered. To access the tree, it was necessary to drive the truck through a locked gate and onto a compacted dirt road on hunting property. After many calls to various individuals, the owner of the land was contacted to get permission to cut the chain on the gate to permit access. This was done, and the ladder truck was positioned to access the tree. One of our firefighters, Robert Campbell, who was assisted by Ralph Layton, climbed the ladder to rescue the cat. As he did, the cat climbed higher in the tree, and we had to reposition the ladder. The second attempt was successful, and the cat, named "squishy" was reunited with his grateful owner, who the took him into the house and fed him a can of tuna. Squishy and his owner are both doing well.

Just another day in the lives of your Sandy Branch firefighters.

Flag pole at Recreation Center 9/11/25

A Special Thank You to Sandy Branch Fire Department

We extend our sincere gratitude to the representatives of the Sandy Branch Fire Department for assisting the RC with replacing our worn-out flagpole rope. Your support means so much to our community, and it’s especially meaningful that this act of service took place on September 11th—a day that marks one of the most tragic moments in American history.

It is befitting that on a day of remembrance, we were reminded of the courage, dedication, and selflessness of firefighters and first responders. We honor and thank not only those who helped us yesterday, but also the many firefighters and volunteers who lost their lives on 9/11. We continue to salute you and thank you for your unwavering service and sacrifice

Donation to Ricky Freeman, injured Bethia firefighter

During hurricane Helene, one member of our local firefighter family was seriously injured.

Ricky Freeman, a resident of McCormick County and a firefighter with the Bethia fire department, was struck by a tree that uprooted while he was clearing debris from a roadway in McCormick County.

He was initially paralyzed from the neck down, and the prognosis for recovery was bleak.

Upon hearing this, and considering the economic hardship he and his family would have to endure, the Sandy Branch Fire Department Chief and Board of Directors voted to donate all proceeds from the annual after Thanksgiving pancake breakfast, and supplementary funds to a total of $5000, to the family in order to help offset their medical costs.

Mr. Freeman has been in Atlanta at a care and rehab facility since the hurricane and just came home for the first time on February 8th. We asked if he could stop by the station so we could present him with the check, which we did.

I am happy to report that he is making progress but the road ahead will be long and arduous.

Please keep Mr. Freeman and his family in your prayers.

Robert Morris, Chief

Sandy Branch Fire Department

Cat Rescue

Walk for Peace

Flag pole at Recreation Center 9/11/25

Donation to Ricky Freeman, injured Bethia firefighter

Firefighter Fun Day 11/16/24