Flashing lights affixed to emergency vehicles usually warn of potential danger. On Monday, Dec. 13, they will light up the night as a festive expression of gratitude and care for medical staff and patients at Spartanburg Medical Center during a special “Goodnight Lights” event organized by the University of South Carolina Upstate’s Public Safety Department. Members of at least 11 local law enforcement and emergency service agencies will join USC Upstate Police officers in parking lots near the hospital. The dazzling display will begin at 7 p.m.
“As we all know, the past 18 months have taken a toll on our health care professionals, their families and those suffering from COVID-19 who they have cared for,” said USC Upstate’s Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Klay Peterson. “Law enforcement agencies and the communities we serve depend on these dedicated professionals to care for us and those affected within the criminal justice system. For this reason, the USC Upstate Department of Public Safety has reached out to Spartanburg Regional Hospital to partner with us and our other local public safety partners to honor their employees in a small but meaningful way this holiday season.”
“Many of their employees are USC Upstate alums and many more of our current students will begin careers there as well,” Peterson added.
The list of agencies joining in the display includes:
- Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Security
- City of Spartanburg Police Department
- City of Spartanburg Fire Department
- Spartanburg Emergency Medical Services
- Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office
- North Spartanburg Fire Department
- Boiling Springs Fire Department
- Converse University Campus Safety
- Spartanburg Community College Police Department
- Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office
- Spartanburg Methodist College Campus Safety
Staging areas for the vehicles participating in the event are near the hospital’s west entrance beside North Church Street and near the north entrance beside East Wood Street.
This event draws inspiration from similar displays in communities across the country. For more information, contact Glynda Miller at gmiller@uscupstate.edu.