Busy Summer for First Responders

SALISBURY, Md. – While many of us spent this summer at the beach or on vacation, first responders were keeping busy. From house fires to medical calls, local officials say this summer kept them on their toes.

Wicomico County’s first responders are busy year-round but often see a spike in activity in the summer.

Sheriff Mike Lewis says his office answers an average of 80 to 120 calls a day in the warmer months.

“Deputies were kept very busy responding to calls throughout the summer. And I think our response times were way down,” Lewis said.

The Salisbury Fire Department, which responds to both fire and EMS calls, receives between 40-50 calls a shift, with response times averaging 4 to 6 minutes. A surprising number of calls come from kitchen mishaps.

Rob Frampton, Chief of the Salisbury Fire Department, said, “Cooking fires continue to be the number one call for fire responses in the country and that holds true here in Salisbury too.”

Police faced a different challenge- nightlife in Salisbury has led to large crowds and sometimes violence.

“Our deputies are constantly going into the city to assist Salisbury city with a number of issues including large crowds at different restaurants, to include shootings,” Sheriff Mike Lewis said.

With fall right around the corner, and a new school year underway, local officials are urging residents to keep safety in mind by following burning protocols and being mindful of students walking to and from school.

“If you’re living outside of the city limits and you want to burn, make sure you’re far enough away from structures. Make sure you’ve got a garden hose or some sort of water source there should the fire get away from you,” Chief Rob Frampton said.

“Please allow yourself some extra time because kids are out in full force right now in the mornings, in the afternoons, and after school activities,” Sheriff Mike Lewis said.