The Greer Fire Department has become the second department in the state to be recognized with a Sexual Assault Forensic Excellence (SAFE) designation.
The SAFE designation is given to state agencies that show a commitment to trauma-informed, survivor-centered care for sexual assault victims. Currently, fewer than 50 state agencies have been accredited, and only one other fire department, the Town of Moncks Corner Fire Department, has received the honor.
Greer Fire officials announced the achievement earlier this month. In earning the recognition, all of the department’s suppression staff attended a two-hour training with the South Carolina Victims Assistance Network. Here, they learned various tactics when dealing with instances of sexual trauma.
“Our department is always looking for ways to improve our service delivery to our citizens,” said Deputy Fire Chief Joshua Holzheimer. “We hope our staff never have to use the skills they learned, but if they do, they are better trained to handle these situations, and I am super proud of [them].”
In sexual assault cases, Holzheimer says the fire department primarily focuses on caring for the victim and ensuring that evidence is properly handled. SAFE-certified agencies prioritize survivor-centered care, an approach that emphasizes the survivor’s autonomy and safety throughout the investigative process.
“At its core, it recognizes that sexual assault takes away control, so care should restore control wherever possible,” said Holzheimer.
The SAFE designation system first began in April 2022. The Forensic Nurse Examiner Task Force, headed by the S.C. Victim Assistance Network, implemented the program, aiming to establish a statewide standard of care for sexual assault victims.
Hospitals and other agencies involved in sexual assault care, including EMS, law enforcement, fire and advocacy centers, can apply to be accredited. Certification involves an application process and a two-hour training course that must be completed by 75% of all department staff.
Other nearby SAFE accredited agencies include the Greenville County EMS, the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System and The Julie Valentine Center. For additional information on the SAFE designation, visit the S.C. Victims Assistance Network’s website.
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