Profits from their sales go to emergency services
A high-visibility address sign can save your life and the lives of others.
“We’ll eventually have all of [Fannin County] and hope to have Gilmer,” local insurance agent Kevin Panter said of the signs.
In Gilmer County, long driveways, winding unlit roads and tucked-away houses help make the landscape beautiful.
But in emergencies, they also can be deadly. For firefighters, ambulance drivers and law enforcement it can be hard to find someone’s residence.
“Occasionally it is difficult to find an address,” Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) Deputy Frank Copeland said. “[Signs] Make it easier for public safety personnel to locate a residence.”
There’s a solution. A large, high-visibility address sign can make it crystal clear to emergency services that they’ve come to the right address.
“These signs go at the end of the driveway so everybody can see them,” Panter said. “They’re heavy blue reflective, so you can see them.”
He has made it his mission to equip every home he can with a high-visibility address sign so EMS can get to the scene on time.
In his spare time, Panter is a volunteer firefighter and EMT. His office produces more than 500 signs per year.
The proceeds from selling these signs go to local emergency services including the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, the Ellijay Police Department, the East Ellijay Police Department and Gilmer County Emergency Medical Services.
On Friday, Jan. 16, Panter gave a $500 check to each of these organizations.
The money will help them in their lifesaving missions.
An address sign costs $25. It’s designed to be reflective and easy to see at night.
“I probably wouldn’t be doing it if it weren’t for my love of the fire [department] and EMS, and for helping people,” Panter said.
Those interested in ordering one can go to kevinpanterinsurance.com/9-1-1/.
“Getting a sign is a great idea in case you ever need it,” Copeland said.