As families flock to the water this summer, fire fighters from Macon-Bibb County, GA Local 121 joined forces with a local business to keep the community safe.
This month, Local 121 partnered with the Hummingbird Stage and Taproom to host a life vest giveaway at Amerson River Park, a popular destination along the Ocmulgee River. The team handed out 200 free life vests in an effort to reduce drownings and promote water safety.
Macon-Bibb County fire fighters in Georgia recently voted to rejoin the IAFF, marking a new chapter in the union’s history. “This was something all of us wanted to get behind,” said Tommy DeWitt, an executive board member with the newly formed Local. “Everybody said yes.”
This was something all of us wanted to get behind.
Macon-bibb county, ga local 121 executive board member tommy dewitt
The idea started with Float Daze, a local group known for hosting river floats and organizing cleanups. They had grown concerned over the number of recent drownings at the park and reached out to Local 121.
“They asked if that was something that we’d like to help support and just come help pass out life jackets, and I said absolutely,” said DeWitt. “I called in the guys, we went in to vote, and everyone said yes.”
The Hummingbird Stage and Taproom quickly stepped up with a donation of 100 life vests. A private donor later matched the gift, doubling the total. The campaign’s impact was immediate and lifesaving.
“There unfortunately have been three drownings here, but one life was saved because a six-year-old girl was able to wear one of those free life jackets and survived the incident. It’s unfortunate that things like this still happen, but we’re thankful. It could’ve potentially been four if we hadn’t had those out there,” said DeWitt.
As a member of the department’s water rescue team, DeWitt said the event gave fire fighters an opportunity to show up for the community outside of responding to tragedy.
“Everybody loves when the fire department shows up, but not when it’s that end of the deal,” he said. “This was the first time I’ve been able to get back to the community in a positive way. Some life jackets may go six states away, or 10 beaches down from us, but if one person wears it, and one person’s life is saved, it’s 100% worth it.”
The dive team was also on site to answer safety questions and offer expert advice on floating in the river.
12th District Vice President Walter Dix praised Local 121’s efforts. “This is what the IAFF is all about – showing up for the community before the call ever comes in,” said Dix. “Local 121’s work reminds us that fire fighters aren’t just first responders, they’re neighbors and leaders, both on and off duty.”
This is what the IAFF is all about – showing up for the community before the call ever comes in.
12th district vice president walter dix
DeWitt’s advice to other IAFF affiliates: look for the need in the community and step in to help.
“There’s not a community out there in the U.S. that doesn’t love its fire department,” he said. “There are countless needs and concerns, just going and showing simple support for somebody else’s group can do so much good. We ask a lot of our taxpayers, so giving the opportunity to give back and not have to be there on their worst day, but to enjoy a day together – that’s something that doesn’t happen a lot as a first responder.”
