Fountain Inn Fire Department Earns SAFE Designation, Making Fountain Inn the First City in Greenville County with Both Police and Fire Departments Recognized
July 14, 2026
The City of Fountain Inn is proud to announce that the Fountain Inn Fire Department has earned the Sexual Assault Forensic Excellence (SAFE) Designation, becoming only the second fire department in Greenville County to receive the recognition and the first fire department in Laurens County to do so.
The SAFE Designation recognizes agencies committed to providing trauma-informed, survivor-centered care for victims of sexual assault. Created through a partnership between the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network (SCVAN), the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the
South Carolina Hospital Association, the program establishes a statewide standard for excellence in victim response.
The SAFE Designation will be officially presented to the Fountain Inn Fire Department during the Fountain Inn City Council meeting on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Fountain Inn Municipal Court, 300 Wall Street. Amanda White, BSN, RN, SANE-A, with the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network (SCVAN), will present the award on behalf of the organizations that created the SAFE Designation program.
With this achievement, Fountain Inn becomes the first city in Greenville County to have both its Police Department and Fire Department earn the SAFE Designation, demonstrating a citywide commitment to compassionate, coordinated care for victims during some of their most difficult moments.
The designation follows the successful completion of the required SAFE training by 100 percent of the Fountain Inn Fire Department. The specialized training equips first responders with the knowledge and skills to provide trauma-informed care, preserve evidence, recognize signs of human trafficking and strangulation, and appropriately support survivors until they can access additional medical and advocacy services.
“This designation reflects the compassion and professionalism our firefighters bring to every emergency response,” said Fire Chief Russell Alexander. “While we are often called to help people during their worst days, this training ensures our team is prepared to provide the highest level of care and support to survivors of sexual assault with dignity, sensitivity, and respect. I am incredibly proud that every member of our department completed this important training.”
The SAFE Designation highlights the Fire Department’s ongoing commitment to professional development, collaboration with community partners, and delivering exceptional service to the citizens of Fountain Inn.
The City’s achievement of having both its Police and Fire Departments SAFE Designated reflects a shared commitment across public safety to ensuring every victim is met with professionalism, compassion, and trauma-informed care. By investing in specialized training for first responders, Fountain Inn continues to strengthen public trust while setting a high standard for victim-centered response throughout the Upstate.
