Since July of last year when firefighters in Greeneville began responding to emergency medical calls in town, the city’s EMS reports that response time has been cut inside the city limits by half. In addition significant improvements to Greeneville’s fire service delivery system have also reduced the actual number of fires and improved its public protection classification rating. The Greeneville Fire Department’s efforts will be recognized by receiving this year’s Tennessee Municipal League Achievement Award for Public Safety. That award will be presented Tuesday morning at the Tennessee Municipal Leagues 73rd Annual Conference at the Knoxville Convention Center. This is the result of a recent evaluation of the entire fire department that led to recommendations related to the department’s enhancement of management, operations and resources. Those recommendations were specific to Greeneville based on a number of community issues that actually lowered costs while improving efficiency. (bg)