City Update – January 27 at 1:20pm

First Responders – Police, Fire and Public Works – Wrap Up Successful Operation

City Manager Shannon Lavrin highlighted the dedication and hard work completed by City departments and employees during the past week’s winter storm, which brought winter precipitation early Sunday morning, along with sub-freezing temperatures.

“To everyone across the City organization who worked tirelessly during this winter storm: thank you,” Lavrin said. “Your dedication to public safety was evident in every action: clearing icy roads, responding to emergencies and supporting our partner agencies to keep our community safe. I am incredibly proud of your commitment and the way you came together to serve Greenville during this challenging event.”

The City team’s effort included a multi-department response.

Greenville Public Works Storm Response Summary

Public Works crews worked in continuous 12-hour shifts for multiple days, with dozens of employees rotating to maintain coverage for priority routes and emergency support.

Supplies

• Brine: Thousands of gallons applied ahead of and during the storm to prevent ice bonding.
• Salt: Several tons spread on major roads, bridges and intersections to improve traction and melt ice.
• Sand: Used in critical areas for additional traction where ice persisted.

Equipment

• Plow trucks, spreaders and support vehicles operated around the clock, requiring significant fuel reserves and maintenance checks.

Crews also removed 17 loads of snow from parking spaces in the central business district Monday night. These efforts ensured safer travel routes, supported emergency responders and minimized hazards for the public.

“A majority of our drivers have experience or they’re from up north somewhere,” Public Works Director Dave Derrick said this past Friday ahead of the storm.” They’ve experienced driving snowplows and so they understand that and they’ll train the younger, newer people.”

Greenville Police Department Storm Response Summary

During the winter storm, Greenville Police officers worked to maintain public safety and assist emergency operations. Their efforts included:

• Traffic Control: Managed hazardous intersections and icy roadways to reduce accidents and keep priority routes open for emergency vehicles.
• Emergency Assistance: Responded to wrecks and disabled vehicles, ensuring stranded motorists received help and coordinating with fire officials and EMS for medical needs.
• Public Safety Support: Assisted with road closures and directed traffic away from dangerous areas to prevent secondary accidents.
• Agency Coordination: Worked closely with Public Works and Fire Department crews to clear routes. Supported chainsaw teams removing fallen trees and assisted SCDOT with traffic control so they could plow interstate ramps safely and efficiently.

“Luckily, the citizens are doing a great job,” Greenville Police Chief Howie Thompson said Monday. “They have, you know, heeded the warnings and they’re staying in. We’re seeing reduced traffic. People (who did drive Monday were) using reduced speeds while they’re driving in this.”

These actions were critical to keeping the community safe during severe conditions.

Greenville Fire Department Storm Response Summary

The Fire Department worked tirelessly to protect public safety and support emergency operations. Crews responded to numerous vehicle wrecks and disabled cars on icy roads, ensuring drivers received assistance and medical care when needed. They coordinated closely with police, public works crews and EMS to manage hazardous conditions and keep priority routes clear for emergency vehicles.

In addition to traffic-related emergencies, firefighters responded to a house fire during the storm, working under challenging conditions to protect lives and property. Chainsaw crews were deployed to clear fallen trees and debris from roadways, ensuring access for first responders and preventing further hazards.

Task Force 6, the state’s specialized urban search and rescue team and an additional GCFD chainsaw crew were activated to provide mutual aid in northern Greenville County, clearing trees that were obstructing roadways.

Throughout the event, Fire Chief Brian Horton emphasized the risk to first responders when working roadside during icy conditions and urged the public to stay home and allow crews to work safely.

Greenville Zoo Storm Response Summary

During the winter storm, the Greenville Zoo activated its ride-out team, a group of essential staff who remained on-site throughout the event to ensure animal safety and facility security. Their actions included:

• Sheltering Animals: Moving vulnerable species indoors and reinforcing heated enclosures to protect against freezing temperatures and precipitation.
• Continuous Care: Providing food, fresh water and dry bedding for all animals, with special attention to species sensitive to cold.
• Monitoring Systems: Checking generators, heat lamps and backup power sources to maintain critical temperature controls.
• Emergency Response: Staying in constant communication with City emergency operations and assisting other agencies as needed for public safety coordination.
• Adaptability: Adjusting care routines and enclosures as conditions changed, ensuring no animal was left exposed to dangerous weather.

The ride-out team’s presence was crucial; they worked in shifts to maintain care and respond immediately to any issues, preventing harm to animals and supporting overall storm response efforts.