Annual Open House 4/15/25

We took in over $3100.00 in donations, served over 320 people, and we received loads of complements and thanks for our service.

The cooking crew did their usual great job, and nobody in line had to wait to get their food.

Several of our newest members joined the "old guard" with setting up, resupplying, and putting everything back the way it was.

Special thanks go out to the ladies who were instrumental in making this open house run so smoothly, even when faced with a continuous line of hungry SLVers.

I have no words for the Easter bunny!!!!

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

2024 Sandy Branch Pancake Breakfast

Great day at the Sandy Branch annual pancake breakfast. We broke records by serving over 300 people and receiving over $4300 in donations. All proceeds from this event will go to Ricky, the Bethia firefighter that was struck by an uprooted tree during the relief efforts from hurricane Helene. Money raised will go to his wife and family for travel, lodging, and medical expenses. We want to thank the community for their attendance, generosity, and support. A job well done by all!!

Please join us, the Sandy Branch Volunteer Fire Department and Ed Meyers 1st responders, in celebrating Russ Griffeth's retirement. Russ has 10+ years of dedicated service as a 1st Responder. He had always brought professionalism and dedication to each 911 call he responded to. He always went above and beyond to help his follow citizens within the community. It is important to recognize the selfless dedication of people like Russ. If you see him out and about, take a moment to thank him for all his hard work. We wish you well as you turn the page onto your next chapter.

Please join us, the Sandy Branch Volunteer Fire Department and Ed Meyers 1st responders, in celebrating Gary and Colleen Smith's retirement. Gary has 10+ years of dedicated service as a firefighter and 1st Responder. Colleen had also completed training, became certified, and joined the 1st responders team. As Chief Morris stated, volunteerism is becoming less common throughout the country, it is more important than ever to recognize the selfless acts of people like yourselves who are willing to give up valuable personal time to help others in need. Without volunteers like yourselves, our community would be without adequate fire protection and would lack benefits of the speedy initial medical care we provide to our citizens. We wish you both well as you turn the page onto your next chapter.

Please join us, Sandy Branch Volunteer Fire Department and Ed Meyers 1st responders, in celebrating Ruth Obermeyer’s retirement. Ruth has been a valuable 1st responder for several years within the department. Her dedication to the community is second to none. She had always brought professionalism and dedication to each 911 call she responded to. Her hard work and that special smile will be missed by everyone. If you see Ruth out and about in the Community, take a moment to thank her for all her hard work. We wish you well as you turn the page onto your next chapter.

Annual Open House 4/15/25

Firefighter training 4/1/25

Town of McCormick and Sandy Branch fire departments training with EMS 3/20/25

2025 Sandy Branch Appreciation Night

Donation to Ricky Freeman, injured Bethia firefighter

2024 Sandy Branch Pancake Breakfast

Firefighter Fun Day 11/16/24

Retirement of Russ Griffith 7/15/24

Retirement of Gary and Colleen Smith from Sandy Branch Volunteer Fire Department 6/25/24

Retirement of Ruth Obermeyer from Sandy Branch 1st Responders 6/17/24

2024 Sandy Branch Pancake Breakfast

Sandy Branch Appreciation Night