A 501(c) (5) organization. Orginally formed as South Strand Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics Association, Local 3617, has evolved over the years just like the area it covers. At its inception the association was open to all departments in the Grand Strand area. Over the years many departments formed their own associations, however, the name was kept unchanged for years. In 2014, members d
ecided to make the move and change the name to Midway Professional Fire Fighters Association, Local 3617. Those who were members recognized the old name did not accurately represent the membership and many felt it was time to form their own identity. Membership is not mandatory in the association but over the year has steadily grown to its current level of over 30 members. We are proud to serve our community and strive to do so in a professional manner on a daily basis. We are in a very unique area that experiences a surge of calls every summer with the influx of visitors to the region. Midway Fire Rescue is made up of around 65 personal working out of three stations (Litchfield Beach, Pawleys Island, Debordieu Colony). The department handles over 3,200 calls annually. Our department is also home to many different special operation divisions and teams that include a technical rescue division, water rescue division, a hazardous materials response team and others. As we continue to grow our local, we look forward to increased interaction with our local community and its charities. We want to continue to make Midway Fire Rescue the best place to work in the grand strand. Our membership is a diverse group coming from all over the country to the Grand Strand. It is this wide knowledge base that we strive to use and make ourselves into a progressive organization. In closing, IAFF Local 3617 will continue to always learn from those who have served before us, and to always remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and have gone on.
