Hickory Firefighters Sign Seat Belt Pledge

HICKORY, NC – Each day, the Hickory Fire Department works to promote the safety and well being of residents but recently they announced a commitment to an international safety pledge.

On June 24th, the Hickory Fire Department was honored for 100 percent of its membership committing to the National Fire Service Seat Belt Pledge.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of death among American firefighters. As a result of a firefighter fatality in Texas, the program was created by Dr. Burton Clark with support by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Everyone Goes Home program.

Spearheaded by Hickory Senior Firefighter Andy Webster and Deputy Chief George Byers, all Hickory Fire Department personnel eagerly signed the pledge form promising to follow the rules regarding proper use of seat belts while driving or riding in fire vehicles. Webster stated “This is a program that I whole heartily promote. I lost a brother firefighter 6 years ago in an accident in which he was not wearing his seatbelt. That loss is my reminder everyday to wear mine and to make sure my crew does too.” When not on duty at Hickory Fire Department, Webster also serves as the Fire Chief of the Cool Springs Volunteer Fire Department near Statesville.

The Seat Belt Pledge has become an international effort to decrease firefighter’s deaths by encouraging the use of proper seat belt usage.

The pledge form reads: Firefighter Christopher Brian Hunton, age 27, was a member of the Amarillo, Texas fire department for one year. On April 23, 2005 he fell out of his fire truck responding to an alarm; he died two days later from his injuries. Brian was not wearing his seat belt. I pledge to wear my seat belt whenever I am riding in Fire Department vehicles. I further pledge to insure that all my brother and sister firefighters riding with me wear their seat belts. I make this pledge willingly; to honor Brian Hunton my brother firefighter and because wearing seat belts it is the right thing to do.

“We strive to create an environment that will bring firefighters home to their loved ones every day and we encourage the public to do so as well.” said Deputy Fire Chief George Byers. “We also want to remind everyone that buckling up is an essential practice for all drivers and riders alike.”