Horry County Fire-Rescue reports four units affected.
See story on page 8
Busy, Busy, Busy in Burton
Two fires in one week make it four for the month for Burton and MCAS.
See story on page 12
SCSFA’s Fire-Rescue 2024
Over 5000 fire and EMSpersonnel attend the South Carolina State Firefighters Association’s Fire-Rescue 2024.
See stories on pages 14-19
Going Above and Beyond
Horry County firefighters get a patient to the hospital, and fix a flat all on one call.
See story on page 22
SCEMSA
Celebrates
The South Carolina EMS Association celebrates National EMSWeek.
See story on page 25
Semi Truck Driver Killed
The driver of a semi, goes off the road strikes trees and rolls several times.
See story on page 27
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2-Alarm Fire Rips Through Homes NearColumbia
In the early morning hours of June 25, 2024, firefighters with the Columbia-Richland Fire Department responded to a massive fire in the Summit neighborhood of Richland County. Crews were first dispatched to the scene on Gardenhill Drive shortly before 0100. The first units arrived to find one property fully involved with the fire quickly spreading through the house next door, prompting the call fora second alarm. Occupants of all properties involved escaped to safety and there were no injuries. In addition to the two homes that were heavily damaged, one otherhome also suffered exposure damages due to the high heat. The Richland County Fire Marshal’s Office was looking into what caused the fire.
- Submitted by Mike DeSumma
FFs Battle Summer Heat and Flames in Beaufort Co. Fire
The Burton Fire District, MCAS Fire and Emergency Services, and Beaufort County EMS and Sherriff’s Office responded to a house fire on Bruce K Smalls Drive in the Grays Hill area of Beaufort County. Firefighters arrived to find a home fully involved with a partial collapse and a wall with a chimney appearing unstable. While firefighters quickly brought the fire undercontrol, it took overtwo hours to fully extinguish due to the heat of the day, as well as the structure having fully collapsed leaving embers to smolderunderthe debris. It was believed that the home was vacant; searches did find the structure unoccupied. Bruce K Smalls Drive was closed in both directions foroveran hour, and then reduced to one lane foroverthree hours. This was the second house fire that week forBurton fire crews.
- Submitted by Burton FD
Boltin, Lewis Promoted
The South Carolina State Firefighters’Association is proud to announce the promotions of Brick Lewis to Deputy Director and Ashley Boltin to Director of Training and Events. Both report to the Executive Director.
The new positions are the result of an internal restructuring in an effort to fill the role of Deputy Director. When considering the needs of the membership, staff and anticipated growth of our organization, the Executive Committee and Executive Director know Brick and Ashley’s collective talents in leading and directing staff will allow the association
to better serve South Carolina firefighters.
“I could not be happier that Brick and Ashley are stepping into new roles that allows us as a staff to best serve our 17,000 members,” Executive Director Jamie Helms said. “Brick has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the membership and Ashley’s institutional knowledge is invaluable to the Association. On behalf of the Executive Committee, congratulations Brick and Ashley!”
The new positions went into effect July 20, 2024.
- Fire News photos provided
PowerLines HamperBurton Firefight
Late on June 25, 2024, the Burton Fire District, MCAS Fire and Emergency Services, and Beaufort County EMS and Sheriff’s Office, responded to a reported structure fire on Adams Circle in Burton involving downed power lines.
Just before midnight, emergency crews responded after multiple 911 callers reported explosions and an out of control fire in the woods, which appeared to be a trailer. Fire crews arrived to find heavy smoke in the area
with two structures and a vehicle fully involved in fire, threatening a nearby home, and a power line down across Adams Circle. The resident of the home reported she was trapped at the back of her home and unable to come to the street due to the fire. Firefighters cautiously approached the fire through the trees due to the low visibility caused by the smoke and the live power lines.
Large Burton Fire Results in Loss of Building
Crews were able to locate and escort the
homeowner, who was uninjured, safely to the street. The fire, which actually involved two large storage sheds, was quickly brought under control. The vehicle was destroyed in the fire but the home was not damaged.
The fire was under investigation but believed to have been caused by an electrical issue. This is the third structure fire in a month for the Burton Fire District.
- Submitted by Burton FD
The Burton Fire District, along with several other emergency agencies, responded to a commercial building fire on Trask Parkway that resulted in a total loss of the building and significant traffic delays.
Burton firefighters arrived to find smoke coming from the building. Fire crews made entry into the building to search for victims and extinguish the fire; however, they found that the fire was raging out of control on the inside and were forced to back out and go to an exterior attack. Firefighters from MCAS Beaufort and the Beaufort/Port Royal Fire Department also responded to assist.
While firefighters were able to bring the fire under control within 30 minutes, it took several hours to fully extinguish as the roof
and walls collapsed burying smoldering embers. The building had been vacant for many years; however, fire officials received reports of a caretaker possibly staying there, and officials were also concerned about the possibility of homeless people residing at the location. Firefighters searched the remains of the building as soon as it was safe to do so, and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office cadaver dog also was requested to search the site, and while evidence was found indicating homeless people had been staying there, there was no evidence of any victims.
Traffic on Trask Parkway in both directions was significantly delayed for hours as firefighters fought the blaze. The fire was under investigation. -Submitted by Burton FD
Service Dog Saved from Mauldin Fire
In the early morning hours of July 5, 2024, the City of Mauldin Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire. Upon arrival, crews were presented with heavy fire in the garage area of the home with extension into the attic. All of the occupants were out of the residence, but reported theirservice dog was still inside. The homeownergave a description of the area the dog was last seen and crews began a search. The dog was successfully located and removed from the residence with no injuries orharm done. Roughly two weeks laterthe home ownerbrought theirservice dog up to the station to formally meet the crews who aided in herrescue.
- Submitted by John Centrone
Multi-Unit Fire in Surfside Beach
At 1850 on June 13, 2024, Horry County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a reported multi-unit residential structure fire on the 1000 block of 2nd Avenue Extension North in Surfside Beach. One unit sustained heavy fire damage, one unit sustained moderate fire damage and two additional units sustained waterand smoke damage. At 1930 the incident was brought undercontrol. Horry County, Surfside Beach Fire, and Myrtle Beach Fire assisted.
- Courtesy of Horry County FR
Truck Fire on Charleston Highway
Vacant Building Fire in Conway
On June 1, 2024, at 0620, Horry County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a reported residential structure fire in the area of Rush Road and Fox Tail Pine Drive in Conway. The fire was extinguished with no reported injuries. There was heavy fire damage to the vacant building. City of Conway Fire Department assisted. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation. - Courtesy of Horry County FR
Amobile home moving truck was destroyed on Charleston Highway (SC 64) nearRodeo Drive on May 30, 2024, at 1340. Colleton County Engine 26 arrived to find the truck with the cab well involved. The truck was pulling a singlewide mobile home and had one lane of Charleston Highway blocked. Crews deployed one handline to extinguish the fire. The heat melted some of the vinyl siding on the front of the mobile home, but the mobile home did not appearto have sustained any additional damage. Firefighters used thermal imaging equipment to check the interior. The truck driverwas not injured. Engine 19, Engine 26, Tender1, Tender27, Medic 19, Battalion 1, C103 and Car112 responded. Captain K.C. Campbell was Incident Commander. - Courtesy of Colleton County FR
2nd Fire in a Week, 4th in a Month forMCAS and Burton Firefighters
Late in the afternoon the Burton Fire District, MCAS Fire and Emergency Services, Beaufort County EMS and Sherriff’s Office, responded to a reported house fire in Seabrook, which was the second call that week and fourth in the month forBurton and MCAS firefighters. Just before 1630 on June 27, 2024, emergency crews received a call fora possible house fire on DetourRoad in Seabrook. Firefighters arrived and found a single-wide mobile home fully involved.
Firefighters brought the fire undercontrol in minutes and fully extinguished the fire in less than 20 minutes. The home’s remains were searched and no victims were found. While this was the fourth fire in June, three have been in abandoned structures in the Grays Hill/Seabrook communities. While this fire was suspicious and under investigation, fire officials did not believe they were connected. - Submitted by Burton FD
Asingle-family dwelling was heavily damaged in a morning fire in the 100 block of Sheldon Court on June 4, 2024. The first 911 call was received at 0129 reporting fire in a room and the roof. Colleton County Fire Rescue units arrived to find heavy fire conditions on the north end of the structure with a portion of the roof already collapsed. The sole occupant was awakened by smoke alarms provided and installed by county firefighters a few years ago. He and two canines were able to escape the burning home unharmed. Crews deployed two handlines to the building, made entry through the front doorand had the bulk of the fire knocked down within 15 minutes, but were on the scene for3-1/2 hours preforming overhaul. Water supply was conducted using tenders. The Red Cross was assisting the man.
- Courtesy of Colleton County FR
Sheldon Court Home Heavily Damaged
SCSFAFire-Rescue 2024
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- Photos by the South Carolina State Firefighters’Assoc.
Fire-Rescue 2024
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- Photos by the South Carolina State Firefighters’Assoc.
Fire-Rescue 2024
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- Photos by the South Carolina State Firefighters’Assoc.
Fire-Rescue 2024
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SC Explorers Competition
During the last day of SC Fire Rescue 2024 Fire Explorers from across South Carolina competed in a skills competition. Explorers competed in two events which included Gear Donning and Hose Deployment.
GEAR DONNINGWINNERS
Male 1st Place:Treyton Shuping (Lugoff Fire Department
Male 2nd Place:Nick Anderson (SumterFire Department
Female 1st Place:Ashbee Moseley (Camden Fire Department)
Female 2nd Place: Lily Duke (DorchesterFire Department)
HOSE DEPLOYMENTWINNERS
1st Place: DorchesterFire Department
2nd Place: Lugoff Fire Department
3rd Place: LancasterCounty Fire
- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
Congrats, SCF’s Foundation Scholarship Recipients!
The South Carolina Firefighters Foundation announced the recipients of its annual scholarships during the Opening Ceremonies and Business Meeting at Fire-Rescue in June 2024. Scholarship winners were recognized on stage by Foundation Chair Chief Jamie Caggiano. They were as follows.
Sam Carbis Scholarship sponsored by the Sam Carbis Solutions Group - Michael Tapp, Easley Fire Department; Chief Jim Stone Scholarship sponsored by the Stone familyOliver ‘Rob’R. Chavious III, McCrady Fire & Emergency Services; Chief Larry Williams
South Carolina Firefighters Gather forLargest In-State Training AWARDS
Over 5,000 South Carolina firefighters gathered in Myrtle Beach in June 2024, for the largest in-state training during the South Carolina State Firefighters’Association’s annual Fire-Rescue Conference.
The flagship event of the South Carolina State Firefighters’Association Fire-Rescue Conference has been a staple in the fire service for 119 years. Nearly 50 courses covering a wide range of topics were presented over the four-day training conference.
President Randy Arant, Battalion Chief at the Irmo Fire District, was sworn in as the 78th President of the association at the transfer of command on June 15, 2024. Voting members elected Horry County FireRescue Deputy Chief Mike Norket as 3rd Vice President and St. John’s Fire District Deputy Chief Kevin Henson as 4th Vice President.
Scholarship sponsored by the Williams familyJordan Little, South Greenville Fire District; Chief Carter Jones - Walter Reid Wooten, Batesburg-Leesville Fire Department; Chief Louis Behrens - Micah Baylis Springs, South Lynches Fire Department.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is an honor for the Foundation to provide these scholarships,” Foundation Chair Jamie Caggiano remarked. “To be able to assist firefighters who have chosen to continue their education is part of our mission and we look forward to seeing where the careers of these firefighters go.
Congratulations.”
Each scholarship is $1,000 and funds are used to ease the financial burden of continuing education. Eligible recipients are members of the association who are in good standing with the association and their department. Immediate family members of members of the association who are in good standing with the association and their department are also eligible.
Scholarship applications open February 1, 2025.
Way to go Michael, Rob, Jordan, Walter, and Micah!
“It is an absolute honor and privilege to be standing before each of you this evening and taking the oath as the 78th President of the South Carolina State Firefighters’Association,” President Arant remarked. In his speech, he thanked immediate past-President Malcolm Burns, Irmo Fire District, Irmo Fire Chief Mike Sonefeld, Executive Committee members, the membership, and association leadership for their support during his ascension through Vice Presidencies.
“One of the greatest firefighters to ever work for Irmo Fire District once said, ‘It’s an oath. It’s a commitment. So live it,’” President Arant stated, referencing the words of the late Irmo Firefighter James ‘J’ Michael Muller who died in the line of duty on May 26, 2023.
Before concluding Fire-Rescue, President Arant congratulated the 2024 award winners below:
James B. Murphy Firefighter of the Year - retired Chief John Bowers, Camden FD; Jeffrey Vaden Chavis Medal of Valor Award - Firefighter
Nathan Ellis, Myrtle Beach FD; Meritorious Action Award - Lieutenant Anthony Ragsdale, Firefighter Tristen Lowe, and Firefighter Matthew Stallings, Anderson City FD; Meritorious Action Award - Lieutenant Justin Blankenship, Jasper County FR; Meritorious Action AwardCaptain Josh Mills and Lieutenant Tanner Quattlebaum, Saluda County FS; Clyde B. Spillers Educator of the Year Award - Nathan ‘Junior’ Ellis, Grassy Pond FD; Hall of Fame - Richard Moultrie, Greenville City FD; Hall of Fame - James Michael Muller ‘J,’Irmo FD; Hall of Fame - Kevin D. Simmons, Aiken Public Safety; Hall of FameKenneth ‘Kenny’Sott, Summerville FD; Hall of Fame - Stanford L. Wilson, Calhoun Falls; Hall of Fame - Richard ‘Tim’Cobb, Piedmont Park; Hall of Fame - David M. Griffin, North Augusta Public Safety; Hall of Fame - Thomas Webb, Burton FD; and Hall of Fame - Josh Holzheimer, Greer FD. - Fire News photos provided
AWARDS
John Bowers Named Firefighterof The Year
Retired Camden Fire Department
Chief John Bowers was named the 2024 James B. Murphy Firefighter of the Year by the South Carolina State Firefighters’Association during its annual Fire-Rescue Conference.
“John has always exuded a leadership character, a quality about him,” Joe Palmer remarked. “Whether that’s as chief at Camden, whether that was in committees with the association, when he was President of the association, and even now if people have something they need help on, John's the go-to guy.”
Chief Bowers was instrumental in the One Percent Regional Training program development that aims to educate Association members on how the law dictates the One Percent Funds be managed. Chief Bowers remains active in the Association as Supervisory Committee Chair and History and
FFNathan Ellis
Receives Medal of Valor
Myrtle Beach Fire Department
Firefighter Nathan Ellis received the 2024 Jeffrey Vaden Chavis Medal of Valor Award from the South Carolina State Firefighters’Association during its annual Fire-Rescue Conference.
Firefighter Ellis was off duty the Saturday before Easter and celebrating the holiday with family when he noticed smoke rising from the house across the street. With no air pack or personal protective equipment, Firefighter Ellis took charge of the scene to search for victims.
“He has that DNAmakeup where something goes wrong, he’s going to jump in,” Myrtle Beach Fire Department Chief Tom Gwyer said of Firefighter Ellis.
In the face of uncertain danger, Firefighter Ellis relied on his training and faith to save the 4 occupants.
“He is an absolute example of what we’re looking for, in a fellow human being, a neighbor, and certainly a fireman,” Myrtle Beach Fire Department Battalion Chief Henry Hickman said about Firefighter Ellis.
“You don’t serve because you have to, you serve and help people because you really want to,” Firefighter Ellis remarked.
- Fire News photos provided
Anderson City FFs Receive Meritorious Action Award
Anderson City Fire Department
Lieutenant Anthony Ragsdale, Firefighter Tristen Lowe, and Firefighter Matthew Stallings received the Meritorious Action Award from the South Carolina State Firefighters' Association during its annual Fire-Rescue Conference.
“I can’t say enough about the efforts of C Shift, especially Lt. Ragsdale, Firefighter Lowe, and Firefighter Stallings for the work that they did in saving a life,” Anderson City Fire Department Chief Charlie King stated.
Anderson City Fire Department was clearing up the scene of a structure fire when the tones dropped for another structure fire with no word on entrapment. Upon arrival, Battalion Chief Bruce Reeves told Lt. Langsdale someone had gone back into the burning house. Lt. Ragsdale found the victim unconscious in the bathroom. Ultimately, firefighters Lowe and Stallings helped Lt. Ragsdale drag the victim to safety.
“Alot of folks go an entire career without the opportunity to save a life, and those guys faced that opportunity that night and really exemplified what it means to be an Anderson City firefighter,” Chief King remarked.
- Fire News photo provided
Heritage Center Committee Chair.
“It’s well-deserved and he deserves every bit of it,” Irmo Fire District Chief Mike Sonefeld said.
“What I admire the most is a man who’s done this for 42 years is still passionate about it today and still involved and still looking to make changes and still pushing the fire service into the future,” Past President Josh Holzheimer offered about Chief Bowers. “He is a true public servant who puts service above self.”
Anderson City Fire Department Chief Charlie King spoke on behalf of the South Carolina fire service during the award announcement, stating, “Know that not only I love you, but our entire state’s fire service loves you.”
“He’s meant so much to me personally over these many years, and the contributions he's made to our association, our state, is unbelievable,” Special Projects Coordinator Carter Jones said of Chief Bowers.
Saluda County Firefighters Receive Meritorious Action Award
Saluda County Fire Service Captain Josh Mills and Lieutenant Tanner Quattlebaum received the 2024 Meritorious Action Award from the South Carolina State Firefighters' Association during its annual Fire-Rescue Conference.
Saluda County Fire Service received a call for a fire at a local pawn shop in the early morning hours. With reports of entrapment, Lt. Quattlebaum moved forward with searching for victims while Captain Mills took over fire suppression.
“The whole time I’m searching, it was really confusing because I’m searching and feeling propane cylinders, I’m feeling stacks of fireworks, it kinda’added some intensity to the situation,” Lt. Quattlebaum recalled. When Lt. Quattlebaum found the victim behind the clerk counter, Captain Mills met him to help drag the victim out of the fire.
“These two individuals are some of the finest firefighters I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with. They are dedicated, they love their community, and they are truly phenomenal,” Saluda County Fire Service Coordinator Mark Lybrand offered.
- Fire News photos provided
JasperCounty FR FirefighterReceives Meritorious Action Award
Jasper County Fire-Rescue Lieutenant Justin Blankenship received the Meritorious Action Award from the South Carolina State Firefighters’Association during its annual Fire-Rescue Conference.
It was early October when Jasper County received a call for a house fire. When Lt. Blankenship checked the notes on the call received from dispatch, there was a possibility that the caller was still inside the burning house. Shortly after, dispatch confirmed that the caller was still inside and had stopped responding. Lt. Blankenship sprang into action when he got to the scene and rescued the victim.
“To have a positive outcome is always humbling,” Lt. Blankenship stated.
“That particular evening really truly reflected on his knowledge, skills, and abilities and for that we are tremendously thankful,” Jasper County FireRescue Chief Russell Wells offered.
“It’s nice to be recognized by my chiefs, but in the end, I was doing my job,” Lt. Blankenship continued, “I was doing what I was trained to do and my calling to do.”
- Fire News photo provided
Highway 31 CarFire
Just after2230 on July 3, 2024, B-Battalion crews were alerted for a vehicle fire on Highway 31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) in the area of milemarker4. Crews arrived to find a working vehicle fire on the shoulder. All northbound lanes were shut down temporarily for personnel to safely extinguish the fire. Occupants of the vehicle were uninjured. Personnel cleared the scene just before midnight.
- Courtesy of North Myrtle Beach FD
House and Barn Destroyed in Nichols
On May 31, 2024, at 1407, Horry County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a reported structure fire on the 9000 block of Dead Ridge Road in Nichols. Ahouse and a barn were destroyed by fire. Two nearby sheds also sustained heavy fire damage. Loris Fire Department, Cerro Gordo Fire and Rescue and FairBluff Fire and Rescue assisted. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation.
- Courtesy of Horry County FR
Possible Lightning Strike
Lightning Strike in North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue C-Battalion personnel were dispatched fora reported structure fire on Cabana Drive in Briarcliffe Acres recently. The callerreported theirhouse had been struck by lightning and they initially saw flames. Asevere thunderstorm had been producing frequent lightning while impacting the area. Upon arrival, crews found smoke pushing from the top of the home around a skylight at the peak of the roof and the incident was upgraded to a second alarm assignment. NMB crews inside the home coordinated with Horry County Fire Rescue crews on the roof to quickly isolate the fire to structural members and roof around the skylight. Crews continued salvage operations along with overhauling the impacted area to ensure there were no further hazards. Great work by all crews coordinating smooth operations on this challenging incident while dealing with the weatheras well.
- Courtesy of North Myrtle Beach FR
Just before 0800 on June 10, 2024, C-Battalion units were dispatched fora structure fire on the 5600 block of Leatherleaf Drive. Upon arrival, crews found evidence of a lightning strike that compromised a LPgas line running into the home. An area along the outside of the home and around the eaves where the gas line entered the attic had noticeable charring and smoldering. Personnel cleared the home of any otherhazards while overhauling the impacted area to ensure no heat orsmoldering areas remained and property turned back overto homeowners with no furtherincident.
- Courtesy of North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue
Quick Stop on Hwy. 52 Vehicle Fire
At approximately 1640 on June 26, 2024, Central Berkeley Fire and EMS was dispatched to a report of a vehicle fire in the area of Highway 52 at Gailiard Road. Crews arrived within minutes and made quick work of this very well involved commercial vehicle.
- Courtesy of Central Berkeley Fire & EMS
Going Above and Beyond
On the evening of May 25, 2024, Horry County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a medical call in the Carolina Forest area. The patient wanted to drive theirown vehicle to the hospital, but they had a flat tire, so HCFR crews transported the patient, and also fixed the flat so they could follow. Shoutout to these crews forgoing above and beyond in helping the residents and guests of Horry County, as ourteam always does. Great job by Firefighter/EMT Brunner; Firefighter/EMTMasterson; Firefighter/EMTMoris; Firefighter/EMTRivas; Vol. FirefighterBurns; and Lieutenant Johnson.
- Courtesy of Horry County FR
On June 2, 2024, at 1335, Horry County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a reported multi-unit residential structure fire on Marshfield Circle. Fire damage was contained mostly to one apartment. At 1355, the fire was placed undercontrol. There were no reported injuries and any displaced residents will be offered assistance from the American Red Cross of South Carolina.
- Photos courtesy of Horry County FR
on Marshfield Circle
Belvedere’s David Griffin Inducted to SC FFHall of Fame
Since 1976 Engineer David Griffin has been serving the Belvedere Fire Department. David has been instrumental to this state’s fire service and other local organizations during this time as well. David also served as the President of the Burn Foundation of America from 1993-2007.
David has served on various committees with the South Carolina State Firefighters’Association and helped bring great knowledge back to his home town here in Belvedere while being an instructor with South Carolina Fire Academy.
We would like to congratulate David on being inducted into the South Carolina Firefighters Hall of Fame during the 2024 South Carolina Fire Rescue Conference. Pictured from left, Junior Johnson - Director of NADPS, David Griffin, Chad Hyler - Chief of Belvedere FD.
- Submitted by Chad Hyler
Burton Deputy Fire Chief Receives Prestigious State Award
On June 14, 2024, at a ceremony in Myrtle Beach, attended by family, friends, and peers from across the state’s fire service, Burton Fire District Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Webb was awarded the South Carolina Firefighters’ Association Hall of Fame award.
The SCFFAHall of Fame award is presented to a member of the South Carolina fire service whose contributions go beyond their local fire department, and impacts the fire service as a whole.
Chief Webb began his fire service career in 1981 as a volunteer with the Belton Fire Department, and came to the Burton Fire District in 2001 to serve as the district’s Deputy Fire Chief. In addition to his duties at the fire district, Chief Webb also created the Beaufort County Hazardous Materials Ordinance which governs the safe storage, handling, and transportation of hazardous materials within Beaufort County. He also serves on the Beaufort County Active Shooter Committee which created, implemented, and now oversees the countywide emergency response plan for an active shooter incident.
In 2005, Deputy Chief Webb served on the incident management team for the Graniteville chlorine spill, and on April 21, 2007, Chief Webb was first on scene and the initial Incident Commander for the crash of a Navy Blue Angel jet in a Burton neighborhood. In 2018, Chief Webb was awarded the South Carolina Firefighters' Medal of Valor award for a 2017 off-duty rescue of two kayakers in a Beaufort County creek. Aplaque bearing Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Webb's name will be mounted in the Denny auditorium at the South Carolina Fire Academy in Columbia, SC.
- Submitted by the Burton FD
SCEMSAAppreciation Celebration
On May 25, 2024, the South Carolina EMS Association (SCEMSA) hosted a memorable EMS Appreciation Celebration at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia. This event honored the 50th Anniversary of National EMS Week and celebrated the dedication and hard work of EMS personnel across the state. This groundbreaking event, the first of its kind, established a new tradition of honoring the dedication and sacrifice of EMS professionals in South Carolina and beyond. SCEMSAwas proud to lead the way in fostering greaterappreciation and recognition forthe essential role EMS services play in saving lives and ensuring public safety. The event began with a parade of EMS apparatus from across South Carolina that traveled through downtown Columbia to the South Carolina State Fairgrounds.
- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
Serious Injury in I-95 Semi Crash
An adult male was seriously injured in a single-vehicle MVAon Interstate 95 at the 60 milemarkernorthbound, on July 6, 2024, at 0238. Asemi-truck, hauling produce, dropped off the shoulderat a high rate of speed and lost control. The truck overturned partially blocking one lane of I-95. Fire-Rescue crews arrived a short time laterand extricated the male driverthrough the windshield. He was treated at the scene, then transported emergent to the helipad at Colleton Medical Centerto meet with the CARE Flight helicopter. He was then flown to the Trauma Centerat Trident Medical Centerin North Charleston. The SC Highway Patrol was investigating. Gerald’s WreckerService moved the truck from the roadway to open up both lanes of travel.
- Courtesy of Colleton County FR
NFPA’S R. DAVID PAULISON NAMED NEWBOARD
CHAIRPERSON
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) completed the election of its Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting on June 17, 2024, which included the naming of a new chair, the election of two new members, and the reelection of a third member of the board.
R. David Paulison has been elected by the Board of Directors as the new chairperson. Paulison, who has been serving on the NFPA Board since 2015 and was the First Vice Chair, brings extensive experience in emergency management and fire safety to his new role.
He has had a distinguished career, previously serving as the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and as the U.S. Fire Administrator. He also spent 30 years with the Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue Department, from 1971 to 2001, rising through the ranks from firefighter to becoming Fire Chief in 1992.
Paulison takes over from Russell Leavitt, executive chairman of Telgian Holdings, Inc., who is completing his second two-year term as Board Chair.
The Board also elected a slate of officers that includes John Bonney as First Vice Chair, Roger Montembeault as Second Vice Chair, Lou Paulson as Secretary, Stacy Welch as Treasurer, Reggie Freeman as Assistant Treasurer, and Russell Leavitt as Immediate Past Chair. Kwame Cooper will continue in his current role as Assistant Secretary.In addition, NFPAmembers elected two new Board members, and a third was reelected to three-year terms on the Board. They are Christina Francis, P.E., FSFPE; David Hittinger; and Raj Arora, P.E.\
Two Wrecks forBurton Firefighters, One Critically Injured Occupant Rescued
The Burton Fire District, Beaufort County EMS and Sherrif's Office, responded to two-vehicle MVAon May 23, 2024, resulting in critical injuries to a trapped occupant. The first wreck was reported just after1330 on May 23, at the intersection of Boundary Street and Parris Island Gateway. Burton firefighters arrived to find a collision between two SUVs. No injuries were reported. The second collision occurred just after1530 at Joe FrazierRoad and Via Venado (above). Burton firefighters arrived to a two-carMVA with heavy damages, and one with a critically injured female drivertrapped. It took firefighters 15 minutes to free the driver. EMS and firefighters transported the patient to an LZ and she was flown to Savannah Memorial Hospital. - Photo courtesy of the Burton FD
AFGAND SAFER REAUTHORIZATION BILL PASSES SENATE
On June18, 2024, the US Senate passed the Fire Grants and Safety Act (S.870), a bill to reauthorize the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs, as well as the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) through 2028. The legislation also extended the sunset date for AFG and SAFER to September 30, 2030. The bill has been sent to the President to be signed into law. Once signed, these programs will be protected for the next several years, ensuring that the fire and emergency services can continue to access vital federal support. On July 9, 2024, President Biden signed S.870 into law.
USFA50TH ANNIVERSARY
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) kicked-off its 50th anniversary celebration with a staff gathering at the National Fire Academy on July 11, 2024. During the campus event the 50th anniversary cake was cut by U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell and Branch Chief Smiley White. Chief White is the longest serving USFAemployee and is still an active member of the Guardian Hose Company in Thurmont, Maryland, and an instructor with the Maryland Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MFRI). Additional anniversary events will occur throughout the year.
1 Injured in MVAwith Overturn
An adult male was transported to the trauma centerat Trident Medical Centerafterhis SUVleft the roadway and overturned on June 1, 2024, at 1717. The vehicle had been traveling southbound in the 9200 block of Jacksonboro Road, south of Cottageville, when it failed to negotiate a curve. The small SUVwent down a small embankment, struck several trees and flipped over. Two motorists stopped to assist the man. The driverreceived multiple traumatic injuries in the crash. Firefighter-Paramedics arrived and provided medical care, then transported him to Trident. The SC Highway Patrol investigated the MVA.
- Courtesy of Colleton County FR
Fatality at I-95 Truck MVA
Atruck driverwas killed in a single-vehicle MVAon I-95 at the McLeod Road overpass on May, 22, 2024. The truck had been traveling southbound when it left the roadway at a high rate of speed, drove down an embankment, entered the wooded median and struck several trees, flipping overseveral times. The vehicle received extensive damage and the male driversuffered multiple traumatic injuries and was trapped in the crushed cab. The truck was covered in fallen trees and was difficult to see from the roadway. It was possible it had been there forsome time. FirefighterParamedics stabilized the truck and used chainsaws to remove several trees to gain access to the cab. Crews deployed Holmatro Rescue Tools to perform an extended extrication of the driver. Southbound traffic was rerouted to Exit 62 to bypass the collision. The SC Highway Patrol was investigating the crash. Fire-Rescue units were on the scene for3-1/2 hours.
- Courtesy of Colleton County FR
Remembering the Charleston 9
On June 18, 2024, we conducted a memorial service in memory of the nine Charleston firefighters who gave their lives during the Sofa Super Store fire on June 18, 2007, exactly 17 years ago.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who attended the service, whether in person or from a distance, to pay tribute to their enduring legacy.
The Charleston 9
Bradford Rodney ‘Brad’Baity, Engineer19;
Theodore Michael Benke, Captain 16; Melvin Edward Champaign, Firefighter16;
James ‘Earl’Allen Drayton, Firefighter19; Michael Jonathon Alan French, Engineer5; William H. ‘Billy’Hutchinson, III, Captain 19;
Mark Wesley Kelsey, Captain 5;
Louis Mark Mulkey, Captain 15; Brandon Kenyon Thompson, Firefighter5.
- Fire News photos by Charleston FD
TRAINING
Irmo Fire Trains on Extrication
Irmo Fire on and off-duty crews from Engine 171, Engine 172, and Ladder175 spent the morning of March 23, 2024, carrying out a vigorous extrication training with Toot Lee-Rescue Tool Specialist. Throughout this training, members used a variety of HURSTtools as they worked to perfect theirvehicle extrication skills. Many thanks to National Auto Body Council and MES Fire forputting this training opportunity togetherforus, GEICO fordonating the vehicles, and Schroeder's Towing fordropping them off at ourheadquarters.
- Photos courtesy of Irmo FD
SummerCamp Vibes!
Getting the Family Hurricane Ready
Captain Evans and Captain Hunt with the Myrtle Beach Fire Community Risk Reduction team spent the morning with the kids of Camp Adventure, a program hosted by the City of Myrtle Beach Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism. The kids got to tourthe laddertruck and learn some fire safety basics. Thanks guys, forthe invite!
- Courtesy of Myrtle Beach FD
During story hourat Chapin Library in Myrtle Beach, the children discovered they too can have a role in helping theirfamily be hurricane ready. OurEmergency Management Specialist read two favorite books to help kids understand hurricanes and what to do before, during, and afterthese storms. The group chatted about building an emergency supply kit at home and the kids shared what items they will include. They also learned the importance of having a family emergency communication plan. As the kids checked out theirbooks, parents and caregivers had the opportunity to gatherinformation and resources to help keep theirfamily prepared. Getting kids involved ensures everyone in the family knows what to expect, making us all feel more prepared.
