Fire News South Carolina, June/July 2024

Kondor

Colleton House Blaze

Home on Rehoboth Road (SC Highway 651) suffers substantial damage.

See story on page 9

Race Shop Burns in Spartanburg

Firefighters encounter a major shop blaze and need mutual aid assistance.

See story on page 12

Indian Land MVA Needs Medevac

Ahigh-speed MVAon Interstate 95 south involving a semi-truck that struck a tree requires a Medevac.

See story on page 20

Columbia-Richland Promotions

Two dozen members of the Columbia-Richland F.D. earn promotions to new ranks of leadership.

See story on page 23

Paramedic James K. Thompson

The storied career of South Carolina’s oldest active Paramedic.

See story on page 25

Remembering the Charleston 9

The Charleston Fire Department will pay tribute to the nine firefighters who lost their lives at the Super Sofa Store fire on June 18, 2007.

See story on page 26

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Cover Story NFFFHosts 2024 High School Fire & EMS Cadet Symposium

North Charleston Upholstery Shop Fire

The Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch Centerreceived a 911 call at approximately 1315 on April 26, 2024, reporting a small commercial upholstery shop around the 2400 block of Spruill Avenue on fire. Citizens reported potential occupants trapped inside. North Charleston, Charleston, St. Andrews, and North Charleston Police also responded. First arriving firefighters reported heavy smoke and flames from the front of a small brick building. Two patients were evaluated by Charleston County EMS. One was RMAthe othertransported. - Submitted by Laura Kondor

To Be Held in Detroit, MI on July 13 and 14

Join us on July 13 - 14, for this year’s National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation (NFFF) High School Fire & EMS Cadet Program Symposium.

Learn from and be among colleagues specifically interested in sharing general information and effective practices with their peers from across the nation. This is the fifth event in a series dating back to 2019. Stakeholders from 22 states and the District of Columbia have joined us, spending two days learning from and networking with learning professionals, subject matter experts, and leaders of successful programs. Outcomes were impressive:

The NFFF is returning to Detroit, Michigan after a successful 2023 event. There is no registration fee to attend!

Attendees will experience a highly interactive agenda. Topics will address:

• The fire service culture and what it means to cadets; First person success stories and why they matter; Expanding your program to make the students more marketable; Supporting a program from an administrator’s view; Mental health considerations for building resilient emergency workers; Strategies to reduce bullying; Reflecting society in today’s fire service; and NFFF training resources;

And many more informative topics! For more information and to register, please go to https://www.firehero.org/event/2024-highschool-fire-ems-cadet-program-symposium/.

Funding for this program has been provided through FEMA's Grant Program Directorate for Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program - Fire Prevention and Safety Grants

Commercial Structure Fire in Cassat

Shortly before 1500 on May 1, 2024, Kershaw County Fire Service, KCEMS, KCSO, and the Camden Fire Department were dispatched to the 1700 block of Highway 1 North in Cassatt. Battalion 2 arrived to find heavy fire showing from the front side of the building. Engine 20 arrived and personnel were able to quickly get a knock on the fire. Units on scene included Engine 20, 23 and 15; Tanker14 ,18 and 20; Battalion 2 and 3; Fire 1 and Camden FD.

- Courtesy of Kershaw County FS

TractorTrailerFire in Horry Co.

On April 19, 2024, at 1409, Horry County Fire Rescue was dispatched to the area of Highway 76 and Howard Road in Nichols for a reported vehicle fire. Atractortrailerfire was extinguished with heavy damage to the vehicle. There were no reported injuries.

- Courtesy of Horry County FR

Arson in Ruffin Home Fire

ARuffin home on Quarters Drive was heavily damaged in a fire on April 13, 2024, at 1856. Engine 18, Medic 18 and Tender18 arrived to find the single-wide mobile home approximately 50 percent involved. Firefighter-paramedics deployed multiple handlines to the building and made entry through the front door. They were able to

stop the spread of the fire from reaching the north end of the residence, but the home received substantial damage. Crews were on the scene fortwo hours. The fire was intentionally set and Sheriff’s Deputies took one man into custody. Watersupply was conducted with tenders. - Courtesy of Colleton County Fire-Rescue

Shed Burns to Ground in Fort Mill

On May 2, 2024, at 0045, Indian Land Fire District along with Fort Mill Fire Department and Pineville Fire Department (NC) responded to a reported building explosion. Calls into Lancaster County Communications reported the explosion nearBarberville Road and Harrisburg Road. Indian Land FD Chief Greg Nicholson arrived and found a shed fully involved to the rearof a Harrisburg Road home. Chief Nicholson, had firefighters from all three departments stretch handlines while Indian Land Ladder3 was put into operation. According to the homeownerthe shed had a lawn mowerinside that was used about five hours priorto the fire. The radiant heat from the fire melted siding on a nearby garage on the property with minorfire extension into the garage. The fire was controlled in approximately 30 minutes with no injuries. The cause of the fire was undetermined.

- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

MajorDamage at Colleton Co. Home Blaze

Aneighboralerted 911 to a building on fire on Rehoboth Road (SC Highway 651) on May 10, 2024, at 2116. Engine 36 arrived minutes laterto find the single-story wood frame residence well involved. They reported the roof had already collapsed, indicating the building had been on fire forsome time. Firefighter-paramedics deployed two

handlines to the building and had the fire knocked down within 15 minutes. Units were on the scene fortwo hours performing overhaul. It appeared the fire originated in the front room of the residence. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation. The home suffered substantial damage. - Courtesy of Colleton County Fire-Rescue

Dog Revived at Hickory Hill Home Fire

AHickory Hill residence was heavily damaged in an afternoon fire that occurred in the 900 block of Hickory Hill Road, about five-miles south of the Green Pond Community. Neighbors saw flames on the front porch and called 911 at 1504. Afour-year-old dog was trapped inside the home and neighbors made attempts to rescue it. Fire-Rescue units arrived to find heavy flames coming from the front of the double-wide mobile home, with the fire having spread to several front rooms. Crews deployed multiple handlines to the building to knock down the flames. Crews located the unconscious dog in the bathroom and it was rescued and brought out to an ambulance. Firefighter-paramedics and animal services officers treated the dog with oxygen using a “Fido Kit” mask. Afterabout 10 minutes of treatment, the dog began to move and his breathing improved, and he was transported to an animal emergency clinic in Summerville. It was reported that the dog was released in stable condition laterthat evening. The mobile home had been renovated in the past with double flooring and had a metal roof installed overan oldershingle roof. These additions hampered the extinguishment effort as the fire spread underthe floorand across the attic space. Crews used circularsaws, chainsaws and axes to reach the advancing fire as they had to remove portions of the floor, ceiling and roof. Units were on the scene for overfive hours. Watersupply was conducted using tenders. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation.

- Courtesy of Colleton County Fire-Rescue

Race CarShop Fire

On April 29, 2024, at 2319, the Spartanburg City Fire Department, along with the automatic aid departments, were dispatched fora business fire. Engine 65 reported a heavy fire and started the fire attack. - Courtesy of Spartanburg FD

Abandoned Structure Fire on Parris Island Gtwy.

The Burton and Parris Island fire departments, along with Beaufort County EMS, extinguished a fire in an abandoned structure on Parris Island Gateway on April 5, 2024. Firefighters were given a report that homeless people had been staying in the structure, so despite having to navigate heavy vegetation and instability of the structure, firefighters searched the building and found it empty. Parris Island Gateway was closed forapproximately an houras fire crews operated. - Courtesy of Burton FD

Burton Firefighters Fight Fire in 114-Year-Old Home

On May 22, 2024, the Burton and Sheldon fire districts, along with MCAS Fire and Emergency Services and Beaufort County EMS, responded to a reported house fire on Seabrook Road in Seabrook which displaced one adult. Just after1300, emergency crews were dispatched afterthe homeowner, who was cutting his grass, saw flames coming from the side of his home. Firefighters arrived and brought the fire undercontrol within 10 minutes; however, the home suffered heavy damages. Burton fire officials said that the fire could have been extremely difficult due to the age of the home, which records show was built in 1910, and the lack of fire hydrants in the area. - Submitted by Burton Fire District

Barn Destroyed on Sidneys Road

Abarn was destroyed in an evening fire in the 9500 block of Sidneys Road on April 2, 2024, at 2237. Aneighbornotified 911 of the fire, advising they could see the flames through the woods. Engine 36 arrived to the block building fully involved and the roof already collapsed. The block building was located about 700 feet off the road

and inaccessible to vehicles. The fire had burned into the nearby woods. Aforestry tractorwas requested and responded. Avehicle inside the barn was also destroyed. Units were on the scene forseveral hours. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation.

- Courtesy of Colleton County Fire-Rescue

Food Biz Trailer Destroyed in Okatie

Racepath St. Fire Snuffed

Firefighters responded to a reported vehicle fire on Rivers End Road in Okatie recently. The incident resulted in one person being transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-lifethreatening burns, and a family’s food business trailerbeing destroyed. As firefighters responded to the Rivers End subdivision, they discovered a food kitchen trailerfully engulfed in flames. Efforts to contain the fire were quickly initiated, with firefighters working diligently to extinguish the flames and prevent furtherdamage to the attached pickup or nearby houses. Despite theirbest efforts, the food trailerwas completely destroyed. The incident was underinvestigation by the Fire Marshal’s office. - Courtesy of Bluffton Township FD

On May 3, 2024, in the afternoon Myrtle Beach Fire Department crews responded to a fire on Racepath Street. Fortunately there were no injuries, and fire crews were able to extinguish the fire relatively quickly. The fire was underinvestigation.

- Courtesy of Myrtle Beach FD

Charleston FD, Live Fire Training

In the month of May, the Charleston Fire Department conducted live fire training sessions forevery station within the department, at the CFD training tower. This training is of paramount importance as it provides ourfirefighters with real-world experience in managing and extinguishing various types of fires. By simulating actual fire scenarios, we ensure that ourpersonnel are well-prepared and equipped with the critical knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively to emergencies. The hands-on experience gained during these sessions enhances ourteams’proficiency and confidence, ultimately leading to improved safety forboth ourfirefighters and the community they serve. Live fire training is a vital component of ourcontinuous effort to maintain the highest standards of firefighting excellence here at the CFD. We are proud to share some photos showcasing ourstations actively engaged in this essential training. These images highlight the dedication and commitment of ourfirefighters as they hone their skills to betterprotect and serve the Charleston community.

- Submitted by Macy Morehart

Myrtle Beach High-Angle Training

High-angle rescue is a technical rescue that is performed by trained professionals in the Fire and Emergency Services. In rescue operations it can involve victims stranded in remote locations, such as caves, mines, and mountains, with significant inclines.

- Courtesy of Myrtle Beach Fire Department

SCSFAAnnual Legislative Day

The South Carolina State Fireifghters’Association’s annual Legislative Day took place on April 17, 2024 at the SC Statehouse Grounds in Columbia. South Carolina firefighters had the opportunity to meet with representatives at the State House and talk one-on-one about the issues impacting theircommunities and departments. The luncheon allows fire service professionals to build

relationships with ourstate’s legislators and theirstaff. The Association’s legislative efforts continue to be successful because of the grassroot efforts of ourmembers; Legislative Day is a celebration and recognition of those efforts and an opportunity to learn and grow togetherwith lawmakers.

- Photos courtesy of SCSFA

Horry Hazmat Training

Horry County Fire Rescue crews took part in a recent HazMat Tech training session at Station 15 (Bayboro). Teams circulated through a simulated hazmat response scenario, suiting up for chemical spills, testing collected samples and following up with cleanup and rehab. - Courtesy of Horry County FR

TheirVery Own Burn Building

Big day forthe City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department, as crews did theirfirst live fire drill in theirvery own burn building.

- Courtesy of the City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal FD

Indian Land Medevac AfterHead-On MVA

On May 17, 2024 at approximately 1755, Indian Land Fire District (ILFD) and LancasterCounty EMS responded to a head-on MVAon Fort Mill Highway near Barberville Road. Upon arrival of ILFD Engine 3, firefighters discovered heavy

damage to both vehicles with at least four patients. Due to the severity of the injuries, a Meducare Airmedevac was launched. Indian Land Rescue 2 set up the LZ in the field of Lowes. LancasterEMS 8 transported one patient to the LZ. The patient was hot loaded and airlifted to a trauma center in Columbia fortreatment. Additional patients were transported by ground by LancasterCounty EMS to area hospitals for treatment. - Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

New Apparatus forJames Island

2-Vehicle MVAand Rollover

The James Island PSD Fire Department (JIPSD) took possession of a new 107-foot Pierce Ascendant built on an Enforcercab, with a 1500-gpm PUC pump. Representatives from Pierce were recently training crews on the safe operation and maintenance of the apparatus. The rig replaces a 2010 75-foot Pierce single-axle which will be moved to reserve status. The new ladderis painted in the JIPSD livery, metallic denim blue overred, to include the ladderitself. Ladder801 serves James Island, and operates out of the main fire house, Station 1, on Folly Road. It is also equipped with two sets of Halmatro Pentheon extrication tools and airbags, as well as Paratech struts, two battery/electric PPVfans, and the usual complements of ladder/truck company tools. The rig is expected to go into service once all drivers complete the training on the new apparatus, which is expected to be complete by June.

- Submitted by Shawn Engelmans

Just before 1700 on May 21, 2024, Burton Fire District, Beaufort Count EMS and the Burton Sherriff’s Office responded to an MVA at the intersection of Joe FrazierRoad and Wells Road involving a vehicle with rollover. Initial 911 callers stated a vehicle had rolled onto its side with people trapped inside. Responders arrived to a two-vehicle collision between a pickup and a passengervehicle, with the passengervehicle on its side. The male driverwas able to escape on his own before fire crews arrived. Minorinjuries and hazards were reported. Joe FrazierRoad was shut down forover 20 minutes while emergency crews worked, and traffic was delayed forapproximately another40 minutes with one lane opened.

- Courtesy of Burton FD

Semi-Truck High-Speed MVAon I-95

Interstate 95 south at the Combahee River was closed for an hour following a high speed MVAinvolving a semi-truck that struck a tree. The accident occurred April 22, 2024, at 1604, near the 40 milemarker southbound, just south of the Colleton/Hampton County line (Combahee River) near the 40 milemarker in Hampton County. Hampton County Fire units requested mutual aid for an extrication. The Freightliner truck, pulling a 53-foot trailer loaded with fiberglass, left the roadway at a high rate of speed, went down the embankment and struck a large pine tree in the median. The truck and trailer suffered massive damage, with the trailer breaking apart and the load of fiberglass being expelled into the wooded median. The cab wrapped around the tree resulting in the unrestrained driver being heavily entrapped approximately 10 feet off the ground. Firefighter-Paramedics used a variety of Holmatro Rescue Tools and a reciprocating saw to gain access to the driver, who had miraculously survived the collision. He was unconscious and in critical condition. The CARE Flight medical helicopter was requested and performed a landing on 1-95 at the accident site. The extrication took approximately 15 minutes. Using a ladder for support, the driver was extricated on a spine board and Stoke’s basket, then brought to the ground. He was moved to the Hampton County EMS unit and transported to the helicopter. The patient required advanced airway care prior to departing the scene. CARE Flight flew the man to the Trauma Center at Trident Medical Center in North Charleston. After the helicopter left, one lane of 1-95 was reopened. The South Carolina Highway Patrol and Transport Police were investigating the accident. - Courtesy of Colleton County Fire-Rescue

2 Fatalities at MVA with Double Entrapment

ANew York couple perished and two others in a minivan were injured in a twovehicle, high speed MVAon Interstate 95 nearthe 55 milemarkernorthbound, on April 14, 2024, at 0941. Two northbound vehicles collided at the Beach Road overpass, causing a sedan to leave the roadway. It went down the embankment, uprooted a large tree, then struck a second large tree and overturned. The engine was ejected from the carand caught fire. The sedan suffered massive damage. Fire-rescue units arrived minutes later. Engine 1 deployed one handline to extinguish the engine fire. Both occupants of the sedan suffered multiple traumatic injuries and were heavily entrapped. Colleton County Firefighter-Paramedics determined they were both deceased and requested the coroner’s office to respond. The two occupants in a minivan suffered non-life threatening injuries and were evaluated at the scene. Both denied ambulance transport to the hospital. Once the Coroner’s Office and Highway Patrol completed theirinvestigations, crews used chainsaws and winches to remove the trees that fell on the sedan. Crews used Holmatro Pentheon Rescue Tools to remove the driver’s side doors, the remaining front of the car and a portion of the roof. Ahydraulic ram was used to displace the dash to free the occupants. They were transported by the Coroner’s Office. Traffic on I-95 was down to one lane forthree hours and backed up forseveral miles. The accident was being investigated by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

- Courtesy of Colleton County Fire-Rescue

24 CRFD Members Honored at Spring Promotional Ceremony

Two dozen members of the ColumbiaRichland Fire Department earned promotions to new ranks of leadership during the early months of 2024. All of them were recognized during a Promotional Pinning Ceremony for the department held on the evening of April 25, 2024. Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins officially presented new badges to 15 fire engineers, seven fire captains and one new senior firefighteras well as a seniordeputy fire marshal. Friends and family members of the honorees attended the event, which was held at CRFD Headquarters on Laurel Street.

- Submitted by Mike DeSumma

Recruit Class 24-01 Graduates

Charleston County Recruit School Class 24-01 graduated on March 29, 2024. Recruits represented North Charleston Fire Department and the St. John’s Fire District. Congratulations to all of the recruits! - Submitted by Laura Kondor

South Carolina’s James Thompson Oldest Active Paramedic in State

James ‘Jim’K. Thompson has led a long life of serving others. Thompson, 79, who grew up in Rock Hill, South Carolina. and currently lives in Blacksburg, is the oldest active paramedic in the state, and a member of the SC EMS Association.

During his senior year of high school, Thompson worked part time at the Rock Hill printing and finishing company, stretching cloth. Instead of taking a Christmas holiday that year, he decided to go to bootcamp in Great Lakes, Illinois, where he had fire training.

“As soon as I graduated,” he said, “I went through six months of radar school in Great Lakes. The next year I joined the SC Naval Reserves.”

He was soon aboard the USS Leahy as a service and air radarman. The USS Leahy was the lead ship of a new class of destroyers in the United States Navy. He’d leave the Reserves in the mid 70s.

In April of 1966, two weeks after coming off active duty, Thompson’s cousin got him a job at Rock Hill Celanese Plant, a local acetate yarn producer. There, he joined the fire brigade as a paramedic. “All Celanese plants had a fire brigade with a fire truck, ambulance, and an emergency room with a nurse on staff, because they dealt with chemicals such as formaldehyde,” he said. Thompson stayed there for 11 years.

During that time, he joined the volunteer Rock Hill Rescue Squad, where he was a part-time ambulance driver and attendant. In 1971 he attended the first EMTclass held at York Technical College. In 1977 he became an EMTinstructor there. Today, he is one of the only surviving members in the state of that first class, and the only one still active. In 1980 he joined the SC Army National Guard as a medic for the 2/263rd Armor Battalion.

In the early 1980s, Thompson met Emergency Room Nurse Shirley Leagon while working part time at Cherokee Medical Center as a paramedic. “We were both working there, and one morning after a long shift, as we walked to our cars, I asked her on a date, and she said yes.” They were married in 1986, remaining married until her death in 2022.

The following year, while still working full time as assistant shift supervisor for Piedmont EMS, he worked for a fixed wing air ambulance service for York General Hospital at Piedmont Medical Center. He worked 24-hour shifts as a paramedic, with two days off in between. On those days he would fly for the ambulance service.

The planes flew out of Charlotte. Some of the most unforgettable experiences for Thompson were treating and transporting burn victims.

“We’d fly serious burn victims from South Carolina to a burn center in Augusta, Georgia,” he recalled. “But the worst ones would be flown to Galveston, Texas, where they offered pigskin grafting for them.”

His team also flew Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) babies. “We’d sometimes lose the baby in transit,” he recalled. “I would never cover the babies’faces with blankets because I was not ready to give up on them, which encouraged the

Clockwise from above

Jim Thompson standing beside a sign made by one of Cherokee County 911 dispatchers forthe Union County EMS.

Through the years, Thompson earned a varied assortment of medals from his time with the Army and Navy.

In 2020, South Carolina Representative Steve Moss, right, since deceased, presented Jim with a certificate forhis 50 years of service to the state.

Jim flew as a medic while stationed at McEntire Joint National Guard Base in the early 1990s.

others on my team to follow suit.”

From 1990 to 1993, he served as executive director for the Piedmont Medical Air Transport. While still with the Army National Guard, he transferred to the 1259th Air Ambulance Company stationed at McEntire Joint National Guard Base. “I flew as a medic on the helicopter. We flew to all the bases in the south.”

From 1990 to 2014 he worked at Charlotte Motor Speedway as a fire and EMS first responder, and Darlington Racetrack as its EMS director. He ended up teaching medical, fire, and extraction at both tracks.

“I’ve always wanted to be like my big brother,” said Jerry Thompson, 72, who lives in Hartsville, about 100 miles southeast of Jim. “He’s been one of my heroes since I could remember.” Jerry and Jim worked together at Darlington Racetrack. “I was security there, and he was EMS. He made it fun. He’s an amazing character. He would save my life if he needed to. I think you’d be hard-pressed to find someone that cares so much about people. He’s one of kind.”

“I don’t know anyone other than Jim who is so dedicated to teaching EMS,” said Ronald Green, former EMS director at Piedmont Medical Center. “I can’t tell you how much he’s appreciated.”

His current EMS director, Eric Holder, agreed. “He has dedicated his life to the betterment of others. He’s had both a direct and indirect effect on peoples’lives.”

Memorable Calls

“One of the most emotional times for me were when we’d respond to a church,” Jim Thompson

said, “because during the call the person was usually surrounded by family, friends, and the clergy, who would pray for them.”

Thompson added that being able to deliver babies was also always memorable. “But the most emotional thing in my whole life,” he said, “was being able to deliver my own daughter, Kaylee, in 1990. The doctor that was going to deliver her recognized me from my time at Piedmont and told me that I was going to deliver my own baby girl. I still think about that today.”

In 2020, Thompson was awarded the McBride Lifetime Achievement Award for 50 years of service to the state of South Carolina.

He currently is a paramedic for the CherokeeKings Creek Volunteer Fire Department in Union County. He supplies AEDs for firetrucks and in churches from his own pocket. He still teaches in the field, and has even led a canine first aid class. “I still enjoy teaching.”

He is also a member of South Carolina First Responder Assistance and Support Team (SC FAST), which includes First Responders, EMS, Public Safety and 911 operators who are trained to guide other first responders.

What advice would Thompson give a young person today? “Listen to your mentors, and learn from them,” he said. “And it’s so important for the mentors to teach the young.”

- Submitted by Tommy Harmon

Remembering the Charleston 9

June 18, 2024, will mark the 17th anniversary of the tragic Super Sofa Store fire. In remembrance of this somber event, the Charleston Fire Department will pay tribute to the nine firefighters who lost their lives by conducting a 24-hour watch at the Memorial Site located at Station 11.

This vigil for the Charleston 9 will commence at midnight on June 18, 2024, and will continue until 2359 that same day. The Charleston Fire Department remains steadfast in honoring

the memory of the Charleston 9 by continuously striving for excellence in all aspects of fire service. This commitment encompasses professionalism, leadership, safety, risk reduction, advancements in science and technology, and comprehensive training.

In addition to these efforts, department members also wear commemorative logos on their uniforms as a tribute to their fallen comrades. - Submitted by Macy Morehart

ESO SOLUTIONS AND IAMRESPONDINGTEAM UPTO ENHANCE DATA-BASED SITUATIONALAWARENESS AND INCIDENT REPORTINGCAPABILITIES FOR

FIRSTRESPONDERS

TWO PROVEN LEADERS IN EMERGENCYRESPONSE LEVERAGE DECADES OFINDUSTRY EXPERIENCE TO DELIVER THE BEST-IN-CLASS, CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY

IamResponding announced a strategic partnership with ESO, a leading data and software company serving fire departments, emergency medical services (EMS), hospitals and state and federal agencies. IamResponding, a RapidSOS solution, and ESO combine the strengths of the premier incident alerting and situational awareness communication platform with the industry-leading records management system.

This partnership focuses on making a real impact where it counts the most, reshaping the dynamics of emergency response. The two companies’collaboration marks a pivotal moment in emergency services, introducing enhanced incident data capabilities that empower first responders to make better-informed decisions swiftly and efficiently. Customers can expect exciting enhancements to IamResponding and ESO’s offerings:

• Real-Time Insights forRapid Response:

With rich incident data from IamResponding including actual 911 caller location, health profiles, vehicle telematics, alarm information and more from over 500M connected devices and ESO’s extensive repository of critical information - including property details, occupancy status, pre-plans, hydrant locations and inspection recordsresponders get a clear view of the situation fast. This means quicker, more informed decisions that can save time and lives. The comprehensive dataset enables a more informed emergency response and assists mutual aid agencies, improving coordination and effectiveness across jurisdictions.

• Streamlined Incident Management and Permitting Processes:

By leveraging the IamResponding community portal and ESO Properties, Inspections and Permits modules, first responders can streamline operations and easily stay compliant. This integration empowers users to easily tap into a vast network of resources and expertise for smoother workflows.

• Closed Feedback Loop forContinuous Improvement:

The collaboration goes beyond initial response efforts, as incident response data from IamResponding will be seamlessly delivered back

into the ESO platform. This closed-loop system ensures that every incident contributes to refining future responses, enhancing overall efficiency and effectiveness.

• Comprehensive Solutions forEmpowered Response:

Together, ESO and IamResponding offer a robust toolkit for emergency response and department operations. From mobile dispatch alerts and real-time tracking to logistics management and fire-incident reporting, responders can access industry-leading tools that streamline operations and elevate performance.

When paired, the two technologies offer unparalleled reporting and data insights, comprehensive fire records management, seamless compliance for national and state-level requirements, real-time caller locations and apparatus tracking, interactive mapping and more for first responders. “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership presents to our customers and the first responder community at large,” said Eric Beck, President and CEO of ESO. “IamResponding is an innovative solution for our customers looking for real-time critical incident information, and further enhances their ability to improve community health and safety through the power of data.”

“This partnership with ESO marks an exciting milestone in our journey, but it’s just the beginning,” said Daniel Seidberg, President of IamResponding. “Together, we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in emergency response technology, ensuring that first responders have the tools and enhanced emergency data they need for situational awareness in an ever-evolving emergency response landscape.”

The collaboration taps into combined decades of industry experience and cutting-edge technology. Today, IamResponding and ESO will focus on their core strengths while leveraging each other’s expertise to enhance technology features and make data even more actionable for improved patient outcomes. Both companies are committed to ensuring seamless integration and delivering unmatched value to their shared customer base.

AIR

CLEANINGSPECIALISTS, INC. (ACS) CELEBRATES ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Air Cleaning Specialists, Inc. (ACS) is thrilled to celebrate its 40th anniversary this summer, marking four decades of excellence in providing indoor air pollution control solutions since 1984. Over the years, ACS has become a trusted name in the industry, offering comprehensive services including design, sales, installation, service, parts, and replacement filters for vehicle exhaust removal systems, dust collection systems, and toxic gas monitoring. Our commitment to ensuring clean and safe air in various environments has made us a leader in the field. As part of our ongoing dedication to supporting first responders and industry professionals, ACS will be attending the South Carolina State Firefighters’Association Fire-Rescue 2024. Join us at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center from June 13-15, where we’ll be at Booth 108. We look forward to connecting with attendees, showcasing our latest innovations, and celebrating this milestone with our community. Thank you for trusting ACS with your air quality needs for the past 40 years; we look forward to many more years of service.

Animal Rescue Mission

Fits

the Bill

Team work fit the bill forthis animal rescue mission. A-Shift Truck 4 winged into action, responding to a call fora dozen distressed ducklings stuck in a drain off of Farrow Parkway. Engineer Devlin, Firefighters Carroll, Massimilla and Brown, along with MBPD Officer Loizzi, flocked togetherto safely retrieve all 12 ducklings. Afterthey were corralled, the babies were placed back in the pond, where they were joyfully reunited with theirmother. Nice work!

- Courtesy of Myrtle Beach FD

Horry County Awards Ceremony

On May 3, 2024, Horry County Fire Rescue held its annual awards ceremony for incidents occurring in 2023. We’re so proud of all our personnel, and the hard work they put in every day for the residents and guests of Horry County, but especially these exemplary folks who went above and beyond to earn this special recognition:

•Intrepid Award - Louisville Road Incident

•Medal of Bravery - Lt. Buntura

•Medal of Heroism - Firefighter/EMTLutz

•Outstanding Leadership - Battalion Chief Noreck, Capt. Dozier

•Teddy K. Griffith Award - Assistant Chief Lawson

•Support Employee of the Year - Cheyene Littlejohn

•Firefighter/EMTof the Year - Firefighter/EMTEtemad-Moghadam

•Firefighter/Paramedic of the Year - Firefighter/Paramedic Falvey

•Volunteer Firefighter of the Year - Vol. Driver/OperatorSammons

•Career Officer of the Year - Capt. Wagner

Join us in congratulating these folks for their award-winning work and dedication to Horry County. - Courtesy of Horry County FR

Columbia-Richland Chief Jenkins Honored for45 Years Service

This year, Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins is marking 45 years serving with the Columbia-Richland Fire Department in South Carolina.

Chief Jenkins’s career, spanning four and a half decades, began in 1979 when he was hired by the City of Columbia as a firefighter. Over the years he rose through the ranks of the department to ultimately become the first African-American to lead the CRFD.

For his outstanding contributions to the state’s fire service and his years of service, Chief Jenkins was recognized by both the Columbia City Council as well as the Richland County Council.

Also on April 30, 2024, in what was a milestone moment for his career, Chief Jenkins was honored by lawmakers at the South Carolina State House with a concurrent resolution. The legislature formally congratulated Chief Jenkins for his service, the devotion he has shown for communities across the Midlands and the countless people his service has impacted. - Submitted by Mike DeSumma

The Swamp Fox

Two years ago, a few members of Engine 211-B shift decided to revamp company and station pride. The members started researching the area for historical significance and took observations of their district.

Up the street from Station 11 is historic Fort Dorchester, which at one point was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Francis Marion, called by the British the “Swamp Fox.” Additionally, in Station 11’s run is Fort Dorchester High School. The school mascot is the Patriots. Much of Station 11’s district is swampland, and frequently, while responding to calls after-dark, foxes have been seen running across streets and roads. After months of researching, brainstorming and dozens of design ideas, they finalized a new company patch: The Swamp Fox. Forward a few years, Station 11 B-shift wanted to pay homage to our military. They requested a photo shoot opportunity with the South Carolina Aid National Guard (SCANG) 157th Fighter Squadron named the “Swamp Fox.” While they are located at McEntire Joint Base near Columbia, many of their members live in our region. The photo was taken after completing the air show. The F-16 pictured is carrying the first responder tribute tail art. - Submitted by Laura Kondor

Muffin Comes to the Rescue

On May 2, 2024, the City of Cayce Fire Department launched a program with a very special five-year-old Fire Department Therapy mini horse named “Muffin.” The new Muffin Cares program is about meeting a community need of connection, reducing stigma, and providing hope. The program will include fire safety information, drug prevention and resiliency resources and will connect people to nonprofit partners like The Courage Centerand the Lexington/Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council.

- Courtesy of the City of Cayce FD

Myrtle Beach Takes on Charlotte in 1st Ever OutdoorHockey Game

On January 6, 2024, the Charlotte Fire Department hit the ice in the first everoutdoorcharity ice hockey game against Myrtle Beach Fire Department. The two teams battled in an outdoorhockey rink inside Truist Field in Uptown Charlotte (home of the minor league baseball team Charlotte Knights). Over11,000 fans packed the baseball stadium in a heated game in some cold temperatures. All proceeds from this charity game benefited the CharlotteMecklenburg Chapterof the Firefighters’Burned Children Fund. The Fund has 30 chapters across the state of North Carolina. The money raised by the fund are used to provide non-medical assistance to child burn victims and helps develop and implement burn prevention programs. Both Charlotte Fire Department and Myrtle Beach Fire Department put up a valiant effort, but in the end Myrtle Beach beat Charlotte. This event was put togetherwith the assistance of the Salute to Heroes Charlotte Foundation.

- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Indian Land Fire District Firefighters aftera recent smoke inside call on Harrisburg Road in Indian Land. - Fire News photo by