New senior deputy fire marshal named, dozens promoted at Columbia-Richland Fire Department

VIDEO: The Columbia-Richland Fire Department held a pinning ceremony on Thursday evening to honor more than a dozen members who were given promotions this year. Seven new fire captains were honored, one new senior firefighter and notably, a senior deputy fire marshal of plans. Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins said the senior deputy fire marshal role is “a pivotal role” in the community. Dameion Dawson, who was promoted, will be in charge of reviewing fire protection plans for new construction and development across the city, a news release from the department said. “This truly is us ushering in the latest round of officers for our department,” Jenkins said in a news release. The ceremony was held at the Columbia-Richland Fire Department headquarters on Laurel Street.
WIS-TV NBC/CW 10 Columbia

Newborn baby, mother taken to hospital after fire destroys home near Woodruff

VIDEO: A fire broke out Thursday afternoon at a home near Woodruff. Fire departments from across Spartanburg County and Laurens County responded to the fire on Carlton Road, just west of Woodruff. According to Trinity Fire Department Deputy Chief Matt Daniels, firefighters from the North Spartanburg Fire Department, Laurens County Fire Department, Poplar Springs Fire Department and the Fairmount Fire Department responded to Trinity’s call for help because Trinity’s forces were already split between two nearby fires. “We had limited resources upon arrival due to two working instances within a close vicinity of each other,” said Daniels. Firefighters said the fire was brought under control in 45 minutes, but the home was destroyed. “It’s going to be a complete loss,” said Daniels.
WGHP-TV FOX 8 High Point

Charleston Aviation Authority first responders receive equipment grant from Firehouse Subs

The Charleston County Aviation Authority (IAA) received a $11,156 grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to provide first responders with necessary equipment. According to the IAA, the grant will be used to purchase a new Polaris Sportsman 570 all-terrain vehicle (ATV), improving emergency response, and allowing for rapid transportation of personnel and equipment to incident sites. "We are grateful to the foundation and our local Firehouse Subs North Charleston for awarding us this grant," IAA Executive Director and CEO Elliott Summey said in a statement. “The new ATV will fulfill a critical need within our department and allow our first responders to better help the people of North Charleston and Charleston County during emergency situations."
WCIV-TV ABC/MyNetworkTV 4 Charleston

Retired Spartanburg County fire chief passes away after over 50 years of service

VIDEO: The Spartanburg County Fire Chief’s Association announced that retired Pacolet Fire Chief William Dale Worthy recently passed away after serving the community for over 50 years. According to the Pacolet Fire Department, the former Fire Chief was still a firefighter with the department at the time of his passing. Dale Worthy will be greatly missed and his memory and legacy will live on forever in the Pacolet community. He has influenced and passed down his knowledge to other firefighters all across our state. I would not be where I am today without his influence in my life. Please continue to pray for the men and women of the Pacolet Fire District. Brown Officials stated that Worthy’s funeral will be on April 27 at 12:00 p.m. at Pacolet Mills Baptist Church, located at 385 Stone Street.
WHNS-TV FOX 21 Greenville

Fire department says driver disobeyed roadblock during 5-vehicle crash in Ladson, then harassed crew

A fire department in Ladson offered a stark reminder Wednesday for drivers to obey roadblocks as firefighters respond to vehicle crashes. It comes after one driver decided to go around a barrier while crews were working a multi-car crash on Treeland Drive during the morning rush hour, according to leaders with the Caromi Volunteer Fire Department. Fire officials said the department and South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) had one travel lane closed going towards College Park Road so that first responders could safely work the scene. But fire officials said a person drove their pick-up truck past a fire engineer instructing vehicles to turn around. The department’s lieutenant attempted to stop the driver; however, the truck increased its speed and “directed his vehicle towards the lieutenant,” fire officials said.
WCBD-TV NBC/CW+ 2 Charleston