Cherokee Fire Department Warns Of False Solicitations

CANTON, GA — The Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services is warning business to be mindful of organizations that could be falsely representing that they are partnering with the agency for a fundraiser.

Tim Cavender, CCFES spokesperson, said the agency has received calls from citizens who said they were being asked to make donations to the fire department and to participate in a community outreach program (For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here).

“We are being informed that this is being presented as a type of partnership or support with the local fire department,” Cherokee County Fire Chief Tim Prather added.

Cherokee residents should note any organization that's been approved for a partnership with the fire department or is supported by that agency should have an authorization letter signed by Chief Prather in its possession.

Cherokee County's Chief Marshal Ron Hunton told Patch the Florida-based company is a legitimate operation, but was not authorized to use Cherokee County Fire and Emergency's name to solicit funds for its operations.

Investigators spoke to company officials, who admitted to the mistake and told Cherokee County authorities they would remind their employees about the rules. Hunton used the case to remind citizens to verify the companies and nonprofits they choose to support with their hard-earned money. He also said residents should reach out to public agencies if they are uncertain about the authenticity of a particular fundraiser.

Anyone who has questions or concerns about legitimate solicitations can contact Chief Prather's Office at 678-493-4000.

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