Presbyterian College publicly recognized the brave men and women who responded to the Aug. 27 fire that ravaged downtown Clinton.

Firefighters and first responders from 31 agencies throughout Laurens County and the Upstate were recognized on the field at halftime of the Blue Hose’ Sept. 21 football game against Gardner-Webb University in Bailey Memorial Stadium.

Eight local agencies – including the Clinton Fire Department, the Clinton Police Department, Laurens County Fire Department, the Laurens Fire Department, Joanna Fire Department, Greenpond Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, Laurens County E911, and Friendly Fire Department in Newberry County – were represented on the field and received gifts from PC’s Student Volunteer Services.

Firefighters and emergency responders were also personally greeted by PC president Dr. Anita Gustafson, who thanked them all for their service to the community. The event also was featured on Greenville television station WYFF’s 11 p.m. news.

PC recognized all of the respondents to the fire, including:

• Clinton Fire Department
• Laurens County Fire Department
• Laurens City Fire Department
• Joanna Fire Department
• Cross Hill Fire Department
• Durbin Creek Fire Department
• Gray Court Fire Department
• Greenpond Fire Department
• Mountville Fire Department
• Renno Fire Department
• Sandy Springs Fire Department
• Fountain Inn Fire Department
• Whitmire Fire and Rescue
• Newberry County Fire Department
• Newberry City Fire Department
• Greenwood City Fire Department
• Simpsonville City Fire Department
• Clear Springs Fire Department
• Boiling Springs Fire Department
• Anderson City Fire Department
• Greenville City Fire Department
• Due West Fire Department
• Abbeville County Fire
• Clinton Police Department
• Laurens Police Department
• Laurens County Sheriff’s Office
• Laurens County EMS
• Laurens County Emergency Management Agency
• Greenville County Emergency Management Agency
• Laurens County E911
• S.C. State Fire