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Safety in spotlight this week
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Forsyth County News
The Forsyth County Fire Department is observing 2009 Fire and EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week, or Safety Week.

Fire departments across the country will also take part in the event, which runs today through Saturday, focusing on activities that improve firefighter safety and overall health.

Fire Chief Danny Bowman said the local department "understands the importance of safety."

"Because we value our employees, [we] always place a great emphasis on making sure they are working as safely as possible," he said.

Safety Week is sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Firefighters.

During the week, the associations encourage firefighters to focus on what they can do to manage risk and enhance safety and health for residents and rescue personnel.

Despite the week's significance, Fire Capt. Jason Shivers stressed the department still will be on call.

"It is important for citizens to understand that our daily response to emergencies will not be affected," Shivers said. "The citizens' requests for assistance will, of course, remain job number one."