Pickens County Journalism Since 1999
Pickens County receives award from South Carolna Association of Counties for response to Table Rock Complex fire
Pictured are Pickens County Administrator Ken Roper, Pickens County Council member Claiborne Linvill, Pickens County Council member Chris Bowers, Pickens County Emergency Services Director Billy Gibson, Pickens County Emergency Management Director Andy Childs, Greenville County Emergency Management Director Pierce Womack, and Greenville County Deputy Director Kathy Opalacz. (Photo by Travis Bell, © Travis Bell/Creative, courtesy to The Pickens County Chronicle)
Pickens County is proud to receive the South Carolina Association of Counties’ 2025 Barrett Lawrimore Regional Cooperation Award alongside our neighbors in Greenville County for our joint response to the Table Rock Complex Fire in March.
Spanning nearly 16,000 acres, this wildfire became the highest priority wildfire in the nation at the time. Yet, thanks to the hard work and resilience of more than 1,000 personnel representing multiple local, state, and federal agencies, no structures were lost – and most importantly, there were no injuries or fatalities.
This award reflects more than just coordination across county lines. It represents the commitment of our first responders and our community to protect what matters most: our land, our neighbors, and our future. We are grateful to every agency, employee, and volunteer who played a role in our response.