Fire News South Carolina, April/May 2024

Welcome Page

Training

Driver Dead After Fatal Fire Overturn

Indian Land Fire District Stations 1 and 2 and Lancaster County EMS responded to an MVAwith overturn.

See story on page 7

Quick Work for Honea Path

Honea Path firefighters responded to a recent call with 25 firefighters.

See story on page 9

Multi-Unit Structure Fire on White River Dr.

Horry County Fire Rescue was dispatched to White River Drive for a multiunit residential structure fire.

See story on page 13

2024 South Carolina Firefighters’ Memorial Service

The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association held their annual Memorial Service at Riverland Hills Baptist Church in Irmo.

See story on pages 22 & 23

Haley Langford Graduates from Fire Officer Academy

Haley becomes one of four women who have graduated from the Fire Officer Academy.

See story on page 24

Jamie Helms Named Executive Director

The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association announced Jamie Helms as Executive Director.

See story on page 27

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pages 14-17, 19, 21 Industry News

Bluffton Township FD Awards

page 21

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pages 28-30

Cover Story

21 Displaced at Richland County Apartment 3-Alarmer

On March 10, 2024, Columbia-Richland fire crews working with the Irmo Fire District were able to contain and stop a fast-moving three-alarm fire that ripped through an apartment building. More than 20 people were left displaced but no one was injured during the fire at The Hollows Apartments on Longcreek Drive. CRFD third-shift crews responded to the scene shortly before 0700. Upon arrival firefighters found heavy fire working through the building

and spreading through the roof. Additional alarms were sounded dispatching more resources. In all, more than 50 firefighters became involved in the operation. The building suffered extensive damages and the fire left most of the roof burned away. The Red Cross was called in to assist the many occupants that were displaced. The cause of the fire was being investigated by the Richland County Fire Marshal’s Office.

-

Submitted by Mike DeSumma

DriverDead After Fatal Fire Overturn

On April 3, 2024, at approximately 2126, Indian Land Fire District Station 1 and 2, and LancasterCounty EMS responded to an MVA with overturn and fire at Henry Harris Road and Twelve Mile Creek Road. Indian Land Engine 1 arrived to find an SUVoverturned in the woods and on fire. AMedCenterAirMedevac was initially launched but eventually cancelled. The SUVleft the roadway on Henry Harris Road crashing into a stone pillarbefore overturn-

ing. Firefighters rapidly extinguished the fire and discovered one person inside the cardeceased. Indian Land Rescue 2 set up scene lighting forsafe operations and stabilized the vehicle with struts to facilitate eventual extrication of the deceased victim. The South Carolina Highway Patrol, along with the LancasterCounty Sheriff and LancasterCounty Coroner, also responded to the scene.

- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Goose Creek City Assists

Pine Ridge

On March 15, 2024, Goose Creek City Fire Department’s Engine 3, Rescue 1, and Battalion 1 responded to assist Pine Ridge Fire Department with an apartment fire. Goose Creek City units assisted with watersupply, fire extinguishment and providing the Battalion Chief to manage Operations.

- Submitted by BC Daniel Chavous

Columbia-Richland Battles 2-Alarmer

Roughly 30 people were left displaced aftera two-alarm fire ripped through an apartment building in Columbia on January 23, 2024. Crews with the ColumbiaRichland Fire Department (CRFD) responded to the Columbia Rising Apartments. They arrived to heavy fire and smoke coming from a window. The fast progression of the fire prompted officers to call fora second alarm. The fire was ultimately brought undercontrol. All occupants of the building made it out safely but two of them were latertransported by EMS forsmoke inhalation. CRFD fire marshals determined the fire was caused by electrical wiring in between two units of the building.

- Submitted by Mike DeSumma

25 Displaced From Charleston Apartment Fire

On March 13, 2024, the Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch Center received a 911 call at approximately 0422 reporting an apartment on fire in the 3000 block of North Carolina Avenue. The North Charleston Fire Department responded to the call along with Charleton Fire Department, Saint Andrews Fire Department, Charleston County EMS, and North Charleston Police Department. First arriving firefighters reported heavy smoke and fire from the roof of a two-story multi-family dwelling. Fire crews initiated a fire attack on the second floor while another crew searched the main building for occupants. Spruill Avenue was closed by North Charleston Police to assist NCFD with water supply lines. Asecond alarm was requested for additional manpower. Due to the extensive fire involvement and change of conditions to the structure, evacuation tones had all emergency personnel exit the structure. The firefighters controlled the fire within 20 minutes. North Charleston fire investigators were requested to determine the origin and cause and determined one resident was awakened by smoke filling the apartment. The resident ran outside the

front door to retrieve a bucket of water to put the fire out but was quickly overcome by smoke and had to retreat to safety. The occupant was transported to the hospital by Charleston County EMS for possible smoke inhalation.

Twenty five residents, four dogs and 15 cats were displaced. Multiple agencies were requested to assist residents: Charleston County Emergency Management Department, Charleston County Rescue, CARTAand American Red Cross. For additional fire safety information, follow North Charleston Fire Department on the NorthCharleston.org website, Facebook, Twitter, NextDoor, Neighbors App and Instagram.

- Submitted by Laura Kondor

New Pierce LadderTruck in Operation

The GVWFire Department’s new Pierce laddertruck operated at a mutual aid call forAiken Department of Public Safety. This was a two-story commercial fire.

-

Submitted by Cody Black

Quick Work by Honea Path

Honea Path firefighters responded to a recent call with a ladder, two engines, a command vehicle and 25 firefighters. The fire was extinguished in one hoursans injuries to civilians orfirefighters.

- Submitted by Sam Gilmer

New Years Day Structure Fire

On New Years 2024 morning at approximately 0100, the Simpsonville Fire Department A-shift crews were dispatched to a reported structure fire with victims trapped. Battalion 65 arrived to a residential structure fire with an occupant trapped. Crews encountered heavy fire conditions throughout the residence. Engine 65 and Rescue 66 crews quickly located and removed the victim from the structure. The occupant was transported to the local burn center. Crews worked through the rest of the night to contain the fire.

- Submitted by Lieutenant Patrikis

Residential Structure Fire

On March 25, 2024, GVWfirefighters responded to a single-story residential structure fire in ourcovering district.

- Submitted by Cody Black

Aynor Brush Fire

On March 25, 2024, at 1409, Horry County Fire Rescue was dispatched to Valley Forge Road and Louisville Road in Aynor fora reported outside fire approximately two acres in size.

- Courtesy of the Horry County FR

Mill Fire in GVW’s District

GVWfirefighters responded to a mill fire in theirdistrict. The photo was taken from the top of an aerial apparatus.

- Submitted by

Cody Black

Multi Structures and a Vehicle Burn in Horry Blaze

On April 7, 2024, at 1343, Horry County Fire Rescue was dispatched to Ivy Road in Conway forreports of multiple structure fires. Asecond alarm was sent foradditional resources. At 1515 the incident was brought undercontrol. One residence was destroyed, a nearby shed sustained fire damage, anotherresidence sustained minordamage, and a vehicle sustained heavy fire damage. City of Conway Fire Department and Horry County Police Department assisted on this call. Fourdisplaced residents were offered assistance from the American Red Cross of South Carolina. Three Horry County Fire Rescue firefighters suffered non-life-threatening injuries, one of those was transported to the hospital. All three are doing well. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation.

- Courtesy of Horry

County FR

Little River Gas Leak

At 1856 on April 3, 2024, Horry County Fire Rescue was dispatched to Lafayette Park Drive in Little Riverfora reported residential gas leak. An underground propane tank sustained a leak, producing a hissing sound and odor. Several residences were evacuated as precautionary measures. There were no reported injuries. Utility crews mitigated the leak, allowing residents to return to theirhomes.

- Courtesy of Horry County FR

Multi Unit Structure Fire on White RiverDr.

On April 6, 2024, at 1037, Horry County Fire Rescue was dispatched to the 400 block of White RiverDrive fora reported multi-unit residential structure fire. Asecond alarm was sent foradditional resources. One building containing nine units had three residences suffering heavy fire damage. Six otherresidences sustained some smoke and waterdamage, and two nearby buildings sustained superficial heat damage. All displaced residents were offered assistance from American Red Cross of South Carolina. Myrtle Beach Fire Department, Horry County Police Department and South Carolina Department of Public Safety assisted on this call. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation.

- Courtesy of Horry County Fire Rescue

Fire Service Improvement Conference

In January 2024, 256 participants from all overSouth Carolina had an educational weekend at the Fire Service Improvement Conference in Columbia. In-person classroom sessions, hands-on training, and a Friday evening roundtable took place at several

locations including the South Carolina Fire Academy, Columbia Fire Training Center, Lexington County Training Center, and Ridge Springs Fire. Save the date fornext year- January 23 to 26, 2025.

Continued on next page.

- Fire News photos by Tim Edwards

Fire Service Improvement Conference

Continued from previous page.

Crews from Horry County Fire Rescue, joined nearby public safety partners from North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue, Sunset Beach Fire Department (NC), Calabash Fire Department and Ocean Isle

Beach Fire Department, and worked on live burns at the North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue Training Center. Strong work and collaboration, by all. - Courtesy of Horry County FR

Training Training Exercise in Columbia

During the week of March 18, 2024, members of the ColumbiaRichland Fire Department and otherdepartments in South Carolina took part in several days of training hosted by Norfolk Southern. The company’s “Safety Train” stopped in Columbia to give firefighters an up-close look at types of railcars, learn about

theircapabilities and practice actions that would need to be taken in the event of a train derailment orotherrailway emergency. The day also included with how to check the cars and deal with any hazardous products that may be leaking.

- Submitted by Mike DeSumma

Motorcycle Crash Medevac in Indian Land

New Firefighters Get Pump Training

Crews from Horry County Fire Rescue stations in the Fourth Battalion 6 (Finklea), 25 (Mt. Olive) and 41 (Iron Springs), conducted some pump training fornew firefighters. Always training, always getting better!

- Courtesy of Horry County FR

On March 10, 2024, at approximately 1952, Van Wyck Fire Rescue, LancasterCounty Station 5 and LancasterCounty EMS responded to a motorcycle accident in the 7900 block of Van Wyck Road. Due to the nature of injuries the victim sustained, LancasterEMS requested a Medevac from Atrium MedCenterAir. Van Wyck Fire Rescue requested Indian Land Station 1 to set up an LZ nearby. MedCenterAirtransported the victim to the trauma centerat Atrium CMC in Charlotte fortreatment.

- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

HCFR Hands-on Instruction

Horry County Fire Rescue’s (HCFR) Training Academy has been quite busy lately. The Fire Training Division had multiple groups of recruits learning and getting hands-on experience on different aspects of the job.

- Courtesy of Horry County FR

Opening 2 Stations in Horry Co.

On March 26, 2024, Horry County Government and Horry County Fire Rescue held ribbon-cutting events fornew Stations 12 (Nixonville/Wampee) and 14 (Shell), with Horry County council members, administrative staff, HCFR personnel, and members of the public in attendance. The two events in one morning kicked off these two newest stations serving communities in Horry County.

- Courtesy of Horry County FR

Training

Irmo FD Hosts Extrication Hands-On Demo

More than 30 first responders from the Columbia Fire Department and surrounding areas donned their rescue gear for a hands-on demonstration of the latest techniques in emergency vehicle extrication, preparing them to provide the best response for car accident victims in Columbia, all thanks to the IRMO Fire District, GEICO Insurance, HURSTJaws of Life and the National Auto Body Council FREE program.

The IRMO Fire District in Columbia hosted first responders from the Columbia Fire Department and surrounding areas at a special NABC FREE education and guidance program to help ensure drivers in Columbia have the best prepared response in case of an accident.

Today’s vehicles are equipped with numerous airbags, advanced technology and innovative safety systems that keep drivers safer in case of an accident, but these same safety advantages make it harder for first responders to rescue those drivers and passengers. Add to that the potential challenge presented by electric and hybrid engines, and first responders need a whole new arsenal of rescue tools and procedures.

The National Auto Body Council First Responder Emergency Education (FREE) program helps prepare local first responder teams to rescue accident victims from these late-model vehicles. The program provides education and live demonstrations on working with highstrength steel, airbags, advanced restraint systems, onboard technology and safety around alternative fuel vehicles. Since it was founded, it has provided education for more than 5,500 first responders.

“Providing the opportunity to help first responders understand the challenges in working with hard steels on newer model cars will save lives,” commented the event host, Michael Klawer.

GEICO Insurance provided the vehicles, and HURSTJaws of Life supplied the classroom education and extrication demonstrations.

- Submitted by Deborah

Robinson

D.R. REYNOLDS NOWMANUFACTURING CUSTOM FIRE TRAININGSIMULATORS

D.R. Reynolds, headquartered in North Carolina, leads the way in manufacturing custom fire simulation trainers that are both cost-effective and highly efficient. By crafting these trainers locally, the company not only ensures superior quality control but also significantly reduces production costs for clients across various sectors. D.R. Reynolds can be your turnkey solution as they partner with you from fabrication to installation and training.

These state-of-the-art fire simulation trainers are meticulously designed to repli-

cate real-world firefighting scenarios, providing trainees with immersive and practical experiences in a safe and controlled environment. D.R. Reynolds leverages advanced engineering techniques and cutting-edge materials to create trainers that are durable, realistic, and adaptable to evolving training needs.

Moreover, D.R. Reynolds’trainers are customizable to meet specific training requirements, whether for municipal fire departments, industrial safety teams, or emergency response units. This level of cus-

tomization ensures that each training session is tailored to address unique challenges and scenarios, enhancing the effectiveness and readiness of trainees.

With a strong commitment to excellence and innovation, D.R. Reynolds continues to be a trusted partner in the fire simulation training industry, offering cost-efficient solutions without compromising on safety standards or training effectiveness. For more details contact: Chris Langham clangham@drreynolds.com or Adam Sims asims@drreynolds.com

2024 South Carolina Firefighters’ Memorial Service

2024 South Carolina Firefighters’Memorial Service

Shortly after Haley graduated college, it became evident that her beloved grandmother needed a full-time caregiver. It was an easy decision for Haley to put her plans to attend the Marine Corp’s Officer Candidates School on hold so that she could take care of her grandmother.

Knowing she wasn’t destined to sit behind a desk, “I don’t sit still very well for long,” she confessed, Haley took inventory of the remaining job options that would allow her as much time at home with her grandmother as possible. The 24/48 schedule of the fire department and its physicality appealed to her, and she started volunteering with Jasper County Fire-Rescue (JCFR) in May 2019 to test out the waters. “I

JasperCounty Fire-Rescue Lieutenant Haley Langford Has a Servant’s Heart Looking Back

loved it,” Haley recalled.

While Haley’s grandmother passed away before she was hired at JCFR, Haley’s determination to take care of her loved ones led her to her calling. Once she started in the fire service, Haley seized every opportunity to improve her skillset or learn something new. She became an EMTin November 2019 and finished Paramedic school less than a year later in October 2020, all while completing her remaining fire certifications. Then the opportunity for promotion presented itself. She didn’t get the Lieutenant promotion she’d applied for, but she knew her time was coming; she just had to be patient and, when the time came, prepared. Another round of promotions was com-

ing up, and not one to be easily deterred, Haley submitted her application. This time, though, she was also in the process of applying to attend the Fire Officer Academy: The Company Officer.

“I knew it would be hard, I knew I would be upset with myself,” Haley reflects on her time at the FOA, “But I am responsible for my own development.” She was promoted to Lieutenant in early 2024.

Haley is one of four women who have graduated from the Fire Officer Academy. She doesn’t shy away from admitting her struggles throughout that week. The program intentionally pushes students to find their weaknesses, but her rotation through the conflict resolution scenario will always be legendary in the history of the Fire Officer Academy.

Haley is still in the early years of her career but already recognizes the importance of bonding over shared struggles.

“We face a lot of the same challenges and sometimes it can feel extremely isolating,” she admits. She longs for a network of women in the fire service who can provide comfort in their understanding of what each other is going through. True to her character, her reasons are selfless: “I want to know what I can do to help.”

- Courtesy of Jasper County FR

25 Graduate from Fire OfficerAcademy

Students in the Fire Officer Academy: The Company Officer23-02 class share a moment after completing a training repetition.

Two company officers participating in the Fire Officer Academy: The Company Officerwork through a training scenario.

Twenty-five company officers from across South Carolina graduated from the Fire OfficerAcademy: The Company Officer in October2023. Over100 officers have graduated from the program since its inception in 2022.

South Carolina GovernorHenry McMasterand AwendawMcClellanville Consolidated Fire District Fire Chief Shaun Gadsden chat during the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association’s 2023 Legislative Day. - Submitted by SCSFA

Teaming Up forFire Safety

On April 2, 2024, alongside ourpublic safety partners at American Red Cross of South Carolina, Horry County Fire Rescue crews conducted three smoke alarm blitzes in the Forestbrook, Loris and Nichols-area communities. The results of these efforts will be measured in an unknown, but extremely positive, amount of fire safety, giving folks an important jump to get out of theirresidence if an emergency occurs. By the numbers, though, these teams visited 73 homes, working togetherto install 180 alarms. Great job to all involved!

- Courtesy of Horry County FR

CRFD Honors Members for Outstanding Work in 2023

Roughly 80 members of the Columbia-Richland Fire Department (CRFD) in South Carolina were honored at an awards ceremony held on the evening of Friday, January 19, 2024. Among the honorees were numerous CRFD firefighters who showed incredible valor, bravery and honor in saving and protecting lives. The department also recognized several support staff members for their dedication to serving the community.

All award honorees for the event were nominated by members of the Columbia-Richland Fire Department. The department’s Awards Committee, which is made up of CRFD personnel, carried out the task of reviewing nominations at the end of 2023 and ultimately selecting

which members would receive awards.

Among honorees at the event were 32 CRFD members that received the department’s Phoenix Award for making critical judgments and actions in performing life-saving medical care.

The department also recognized 10 members with the Medal of Bravery, three members with the Medal of Valor and seven members with the Medal of Honor. Photos of all of the event honorees can be found by visiting the department’s website at www.colafire.net or on Facebook at Columbia Fire Department (SC).

- Fire News photos submitted by Mike DeSumma

Jamie Helms Named SCSFA Executive Director

The South Carolina State Firefighters’Association announced that Jamie Helms has been promoted to Executive Director effective February 1, 2024. The Executive Committee approved the promotion during a meeting on January 30, 2024.

“On behalf of the Executive Committee, I am excited to announce that Deputy Director Jamie Helms has been promoted to the position of Executive Director of the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association,” President Malcolm Burns said of Helms. “Because of his hard work as Deputy Director in improving the internal operations of the Association, his decades of experience in the fire service, in-depth knowledge of Legislative processes, and attention to detail, Jamie quickly distinguished himself as being the best person to lead the Association into the future as our Executive Director.”

“Please join me in congratulating Jamie on his promotion to Executive Director,” concluded President Burns.

Helms joined the Association in January 2023 as Deputy Director. Prior, he volunteered on various committees and served as 2nd Vice President. Agraduate of Irmo High School, Helms stayed in the area after graduation and joined the Columbia Fire Department in 1988 where he worked as Assistant Chief prior to his departure. Helms is a graduate of Midlands Technical College Advanced Leadership, Brave Fire Leader Academy, and the Association’s Leadership Institute. He is married and a father of three.

“I am extremely excited about this promotion and look forward, to what I envision, is a great future for the Association and Chief Helms at its head,” Joe Palmer said. “I have been impressed with Jamie and his incredible visionary ability and work ethic, and I know that will translate into continued superior membership service for our 17,000 firefighters.”

While he may be retiring, expect to see Joe’s familiar face at Association events and Fire-Rescue. Joe will continue to offer his knowledge and experience as the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association enters a new era under Executive Director Helms.

“I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to serve the South Carolina fire service as Executive Director of the South Carolina State Firefighters' Association,” Helms said.

No Yolk in Horry County

Horry County Fire Rescue (HCFR) Station 24 (Aynor), took part in an Egg Drop at AynorElementary School. Students designed and built containers to protect eggs, and crews dropped them off the engine to test the quality of the students’respective designs. HCFR is an integral part of the communities that make up our region, no yolk!

- Courtesy of the Horry County FR

“On behalf of the membership, I extend an enormous ‘thank you’to Joe Palmer for his inspirational leadership and guidance. His legacy on the fire service both here at home in South Carolina and across the country is beyond what words can capture. We congratulate him on his retirement,” Helms concluded.

- Submitted

by Brook Dennis

Bluffton Township Fire District Annual Dinnerand Awards

The Bluffton Township Fire District held its annual dinner and awards night at the Hampton Hall Club in Bluffton. The Following individuals were recognized for outstanding service to our district and community during 2023.

American Legion Post 205 Firefighterof the Year: FF- III Taylor Horton (not pictured).

Officerof the Year: Shift 1 - Lt. Mike Provo; Shift 2 - Lt. Taylor Kamp; Shift 3 - Lt. Mark Eiden. Firefighter of the Year: Shift 1 - FF- IV TJ McCullion; Shift 2 - FF- IVCraig Hysell; Shift 3 - FF- III Jason Carle. Administrative Staff Employee of the Year: PIO Stephen Combs. Auxiliary Memberof the Year: Leslie Jones-Hart. Citizen Recognition Award: Tommy’s Tire and Towing. Medal of Valor: Lt.

Citizen’s Recognition Award

Special recognition was made of Tommy’s Tire & Towing for their incredible support of the Fire District’s Operations Division. Tommy’s regularly provides vehicles and their staff offers unwavering support that allows us to maintain a high standard of training for our community. Accepting the award on behalf of Tommy’s Tire and Towing is Mr. Daniel Williams. (Left to right): BTFD Fire Chief Paul Boulware, Daniel Williams, Assistant Chief of Operations Adam Corn, and Deputy Chief of Administration Derek Church.

Johnny Fender Memorial Award

GIS & Data Analyst Jered Pritchett

FF-III Vincent Dean - Not pictured

Sr. Fire InspectorJason Lee - Not pictured

Awarded to a Fire Department member for having performed outstanding service to the Department or to the public safety of the community. (Left to right): BTFD Fire Chief Paul Boulware, GIS Analyst Jered Pritchett, Assistant Chief of Operations Adam Corn, and Deputy Chief of Administration Derek Church.

Mark Eiden, FF- IV; Toby Bonsall; and FF- II James Shelton. Medal of Honor: FF- III Taylor Horton (not pictured). Medal of Merit: Sr. Fire Inspector Jason Lee (not pictured; and FF- IVDan Connelly. Unit Citation Awards-Fire Prevention: Fire Marshall Dan Wiltse, Sr.; Fire Inspector Jason Lee; and Inspector Ryan Yakscoe. Maintenance Division: Chief Steve McKinley; Cpt. Brian Hart; Tyler Williams; Jon Zappacosta; and Tony Gibson. BTFD Cooking Team: BC Jayme Beach; Cpt. Marcos Farr; Lt. Mark Eiden; FF-IVCharlie Campbell; FF- IV Danny Heslin; FF-VMatt Henne; FF-IVDave Rice; FF- I Andy Reinhardt and Bryleigh Beach.

- Submitted by Stephen Combs Continued on next two pages.

Johnny FenderAward

PIO Stephen Combs

Administrative Assistant Hailey Smith

Fire InspectorRyan Yakscoe

Awarded to a Fire Department member for having performed outstanding service to the Department or to the public safety of the community. (Left to right): BTFD Fire Chief Paul Boulware, Hailey Smith, PIO Stephen Combs,Fire Inspector Ryan Yakscoe, Assistant Chief of Operations Adam Corn and Deputy Chief of Administration Derek Church.

Unit Citation Award

Fire Prevention - Fire Marshall Dan Wiltse

Sr. Fire InspectorJason Lee - Not pictured

InspectorRyan Yakscoe

Awarded to any group of two or more Fire Department members who make up a company, section, team, or employee work group which has performed in an outstanding manner worthy of recognition. (Left to right): BTFD Fire Chief Paul Boulware, Fire Inspector Ryan Yakscoe, Fire Marshal Dan Wiltse, Assistant Chief of Operations Adam Corn, and Deputy Chief of Administration Derek Church.

Bluffton Township Fire District Annual Dinnerand

Unit Citation Award

Maintenance Division

Chief Steve McKinley

Cpt. Brian Hart

TylerWilliams, Jon Zappacosta

Tony Gibson - Not pictured

Awarded to any group of two or more Fire Department members who make up a company, section, team, or employee work group which has performed in an outstanding manner worthy of recognition. (Left to right):

BTFD Fire Chief Paul Boulware, Tyler Williams, Battalion Chief Steve McKinley, John Zappacosta, Captain Brian Hart, Assistant Chief of Operations Adam Corn, and Deputy Chief of Administration Derek Church.

Medal of Merit

FF-IVDan Connelly

Sr. Fire InspectorJason Lee - Not Pictured

Awarded to a Fire Department member based on performance of assigned duties, those duties having been carried out in an outstanding, superior manner such as to merit recognition for service to the Department; may or may not be an act of distinct heroism. (Left to right): BTFD Fire Chief Paul Boulware, Firefighter Dan Connelly, Assistant Chief of Operations Adam Corn, and Deputy Chief of Administration Derek Church.

Auxiliary Memberof the Year

Awards

Continued from previous page.

Unit Citation Award

BTFD Cooking Team

BC Jayme Beach

Cpt. Marcos Farr- Not pictured

Lt. Mark Eiden

FF-IVCharlie Campbell

FF-IVDanny Heslin

FF-IVMatt Henne - Not pictured

FF-IVDave Rice

FF-I Andy Reinhardt

VolunteerBryleigh Beach

Awarded to any group of two or more Fire Department members who make up a company, section, team, or employee work group which has performed in an outstanding manner worthy of recognition. (Left to right):

BTFD Fire Chief Paul Boulware, Firefighter Dave Rice, Firefighter Andrew Reinhardt, Firefighter Charlie Campbell, Firefighter Danny Heslin, Lt. Mark Eiden, Bryleigh Beach, Battalion Chief Jayme Beach, Assistant Chief of Operations Adam Corn, and Deputy Chief of Administration Derek Church.

Medal of Valor

Lt. Mark Eiden, FF-IVToby Bonsall, & FF-II James Shelton

Awarded to the Fire Department member who distinguishes him or herself conspicuously by displaying great courage while placing him or herself in the face of immediate life-threatening peril, with full knowledge of the risks involved, attempting to save or having to save the life of another person or persons.

This medal is the highest award presented by the department and is only awarded under the most extraordinary circumstances.

These three firefighters rescued a victim from a fully involved residential structure fire in May 2023. (Left to right): BTFD Fire Chief Paul Boulware, Firefighter James Shelton, Lt. Mark Eiden, Firefighter Toby Bonsall, Assistant Chief of Operations Adam Corn, and Deputy Chief of Administration Derek Church.

Administrative Staff Employee of the Year

Leslie Jones-Hart

Awarded for an outstanding service and/or exemplary act or accomplishment by a member of the BTFD Auxiliary. (Left to right):BTFD Fire Chief Paul Boulware, Leslie Jones-Hart, Assistant Chief of Operations Adam Corn, and Deputy Chief of Administration Derek Church.

PIO Stephen Combs

Awarded to an Administration or Management member of the BTFD for an outstanding and/or exemplary act or accomplishment. (Left to right): BTFD Fire Chief Paul Boulware, PIO Stephen Combs, Assistant Chief of Operations Adam Corn, and Deputy Chief of Administration Derek Church.

Bluffton Township Fire District Annual Dinnerand Awards

Continued from previous page.

Firefighterof the Year

Shift 1 - FF-IVTJ McCullion

Awarded to a Fire District member for having performed an act of valor and heroism or for outstanding service to the Department or to the public safety of the community.

Pictured (Left to right): BTFD Fire Chief Paul Boulware, Battalion Chief Benjamin Rushing, Firefighter TJ McCullion, Battalion Chief Jayme Beach, Assistant Chief of Operations Adam Corn, and Deputy Chief of Administration Derek Church

Firefighterof the Year

Shift 3 - FF-III Jason Carle

Awarded to a Fire District member for having performed an act of valor and heroism or for outstanding service to the Department or to the public safety of the community.

Pictured (Left to right): BTFD Fire Chief Paul Boulware, Battalion Chief Todd Harvey, Battalion Chief Mike Rehill, Firefighter Jason Carle, Assistant Chief of Operations Adam Corn, and Deputy Chief of Administration Derek Church

Officerof the Year

Shift 2 - Lt. TaylorKamp

Awarded to a BTFD Line Officer for an outstanding and/or exemplary act or accomplishment.

Pictured (Left to right): BTFD Fire Chief Paul Boulware, Battalion Chief Vernon Edenfield, Battalion Chief Derek Franks, Lt. Taylor Kamp, Assistant Chief of Operations Adam Corn, and Deputy Chief of Administration Derek Church

Firefighterof the Year

Shift 2 - FF-IVCraig Hysell

Awarded to a Fire District member for having performed an act of valor and heroism or for outstanding service to the Department or to the public safety of the community.

Pictured (Left to right): BTFD Fire Chief Paul Boulware, Battalion Chief Vernon Edenfield, Battalion Chief Derek Franks, Firefighter Craig Hysell, Assistant Chief of Operations Adam Corn, and Deputy Chief of Administration Derek Church

Officerof the Year

Shift 1 - Lt. Mike Provo

Awarded to a BTFD Line Officer for an outstanding and/or exemplary act or accomplishment.

Pictured (Left to right): BTFD Fire Chief Paul Boulware, Battalion Chief Benjamin Rushing, Lt. Mike Provo, Battalion Chief Jayme Beach, Assistant Chief of Operations Adam Corn, and Deputy Chief of Administration Derek Church

Officerof the Year

Shift 3 - Lt. Mark Eiden

Awarded to a BTFD Line Officer for an outstanding and/or exemplary act or accomplishment.

Pictured (Left to right): BTFD Fire Chief Paul Boulware, Battalion Chief Todd Harvey, Battalion Chief Mike Rehill, Lt. Mark Eiden, Assistant Chief of Operations Adam Corn, and Deputy Chief of Administration Derek Church