Page 42 - Winter 2021

Lifelong Oconee resident Mark Parsons is Oconee Fire Rescue’s resident photographer.
Mark Parsons
Oconee County bus driver by day, Mark Parsons holds an important job documenting the fire department’s good deeds and photographing all the fires, assemblies and training events.
“I always really wanted to be a first responder,” Parsons says, “but early on, I recognized that my job and side business (wedding photography) didn’t allow time for the necessary, extensive training. I wanted to be involved and give back though.”
Parsons takes pictures of local heroes and shows up at training sessions to capture the enthusiasm and camaraderie in the volunteer force.
“They are really a great group of men and women.” Parsons says. “I really like hanging out with them.”
One of the biggest fires that the department has faced recently was the April blaze at the Bishop Golden Pantry.
“Unfortunately, it went up really fast,” he says. “At least there were no injuries.”
Parsons stays behind the scenes, working with a telephoto lens most of the time.
“I don’t want to get in the way,” he explains. “I don’t want to take anything away from the actual firefighters. They do the work. I just document it.”
Parsons takes pictures of local heroes when they respond to an emergency.
PAGE 40 | OCONEE THE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2021
Courtesy Mark Parsons Courtesy Mark Parsons