Until disaster strikes, we sometimes don’t fully appreciate the importance of having capable first responders to protect and serve our community.  This is especially true of our business community, who is only able to be successful when they are confident that their investments are made secure by agencies that make safety their primary mission.
 
Wilson is blessed to be served by elite first responder agencies that are recognized for their compassion, heroism, and professionalism.  These departments are regularly recognized for meeting the highest standards of community service: 

• Both the Wilson Police Department and Wilson County Sheriff’s Office participate in the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), the gold standard in public safety.
• Wilson County EMS is a leader in community paramedicine with specific focus on falls, post-overdose response, readmission reduction and community wellness.
• Wilson County Emergency Communications (E911) has been a pioneer in being a centralized public safety answering point (PSAP) since being established in 1983.
• Wilson Fire & Rescue Services has achieved the coveted ISO Class 1 rating, the highest rating for their ability to respond to emergencies. 

While these accomplishments result in an extraordinarily safe community with real benefits like lower insurance rates, they only scratch the surface of the invaluable service these agencies provide.  First responders are neighbors and friends who are also on the front lines of volunteerism and community outreach.
 
To recognize this service, the Chamber will be hosting its first ever First Responders Appreciation Breakfast on March 27, where we will be honoring personnel from each of our five emergency response agencies.  In addition to highlighting their sworn duty to protect and serve our community, we’ll also be acknowledging the selflessness they demonstrate while off-shift.
 
More details to follow.  Please make plans to join us!