Scope of Cancer in Fire Service, Week 3- Cancer in the Fire ServiceCancer in the fire service is our current reality, but we are beginning to better understand firefighters’ increased risks and cancer’s devastating toll. This in-depth article explores best practices in protecting ourselves, our crew members and our families from this work-related risk. https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2017/05/10/ff-cancer-facts/ ...15 March, 2021 / No comment
Chief Frances Richbourg’s legacyRetired Clarendon County Fire Chief Frances Richbourg’s history with the fire service is storied, a career full of firsts. Richbourg laid the groundwork for future female firefighters to hold positions of influence and power, paving the path as a trailblazer and legendary leader. “I’ve always......15 March, 2021 / No comment
SCSFA Communications Coordinator NamedThe South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association is happy to announce the hiring of Brook Mixson as the new Communications Coordinator for the Association. Brook comes to the Association from the South Carolina Bar as their Content Strategist. Brook Mixson, a native of Estill, South Carolina,......12 March, 2021 / No comment
Chief William “Ed” Edward McNeill Visitation & Funeral ArangementsOn behalf of SC State Firefighters’ Association President, Keith Minick and the Executive Committee and staff we offer our deepest condolences to the family of Chief William “Ed” Edward McNeill, Jr., and his Campobello Fire Department, who passed away suddenly on March 4, 2021 after......11 March, 2021 / No comment
Volunteer Firefighter Appreciation Day is April 9Everyone has a story. The lady across from you at the gas pump; the plumber on the way to fix the pipes that have been giving you a headache; your waitress at your favorite local restaurant – everyone is busy living their lives, but not......11 March, 2021 / No comment
Clinical Wellness WebinarHow has 2020 impacted your health, and what can we do differently for 2021? While we navigate unchartered waters in a pandemic, we are facing new and old challenges for maintaining and improving health. This webinar focuses on how we can prepare and recover from......08 March, 2021 / No comment
Scope of Cancer in Fire Service, Week 2 – Carcinogenic ExposuresFirefighters work in uncontrolled environments. They are exposed to hazards at high levels for varying lengths of time, unlike most other occupations. https://www.iaff.org/wp-content/uploads/FFCancer_CarcinogenicExposures.pdf ...08 March, 2021 / No comment
House Ways & Means Committee Fully Funds Key Fire Service LegislationNews from the SC House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee! Yesterday, the Committee vote to fully fund SC FAST at $250,000 (recurring), the SC Firefighter Cancer Health Care Benefit Plan at $3,784,000 (recurring) and South Carolina State Fire‘s Urban Search and Rescue (US&R)......04 March, 2021 / No comment
Scope of Cancer in Fire Service, Week 1 – Cancer 101The first week of the Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month addresses why cancer is the number-one line-of-duty death in the fire service. Additionally, the content defines cancer, explains the scope of occupational cancer in the fire service and identifies carcinogens, occupational exposures and other chemicals found......01 March, 2021 / No comment
SC Firefighter Cancer Coalition Launches Webpage & InitiativeThe South Carolina Firefighter Cancer Coalition is launching a webpage and initiative to keep the South Carolina Fire Service informed about firefighter cancer, “Firefighters and Cancer: What you need to Know.” The SC Firefighter Cancer Coalition (Coalition), a group of seven fire service agencies to......22 February, 2021 / No comment
February-American Heart MonthIn recognition of February as American Heart Month, the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association’s Health & Safety Committee discusses the importance of a firefighter wellness program. We see it every day — fire and EMS departments starting up wellness programs to help their members both......12 February, 2021 / No comment
MUSC Burned Children’s Fund is Seeking Volunteers for Camp ‘Can’ DoThe MUSC Burned Children’s Fund is looking for volunteers for Camp ‘Can’ Do. Camp ‘Can’ Do is a free five-day camp designed for children who have suffered a burn injury. The Medical University of South Carolina Children’s Health and South Carolina Firefighters sponsor the five-day......02 February, 2021 / No comment
JOHN NELSON GAMEWELLEven though Christmas has now come and gone, a long-forgotten but remarkable story about a South Carolina boy born at Christmas time has recently acquired significant interest, especially within the fire service. Newly uncovered history reveals that a Methodist minister and his wife, John and......26 January, 2021 / No comment
Studio 6 Extended Stay and Motel 6 Properties DiscountThe Members Benefits Committee is proud to offer a new lodging benefit! Members of the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association can now receive a 10% discount off the best available rate at all Studio 6 Extended Stay and Motel 6 properties. There are over 1,400......11 January, 2021 / No comment
Serve on a SCSFA CommitteeLetter from Jamie Caggiano, First Vice President of the SC State Firefighters’ Association. First, I want to wish each of you a Happy New Year and hope 2021 is very prosperous for you. We have been through some major challenges in 2020. It is hard......09 January, 2021 / No comment
American Red Cross Response to Residential Fires and Damage AssessmentAs the American Red Cross continues to adapt to numerous disasters and changing environments, we have expanded the use of Red Cross/FEMA Damage Assessment Guidelines to now include small, local disasters such as single and multi-family fires. This move will help ensure that we are......08 January, 2021 / No comment
SCSFA Strategic Planning SurveyThe SC State Firefighters’ Association Executive Committee and Staff wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR! We hope and pray that 2021 will be a safe and healthy year for South Carolina’s Firefighters! To continue the mission of the SCSFA: to serve our membership as the......07 January, 2021 / No comment
FY 2020 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program Application Period OpeningThis Advisory is notification that the application period for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) fiscal year (FY) 2020 Assistance To Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program will open on Monday, January 4th, 2021 at 8 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) and will......05 January, 2021 / No comment
EMT – Tuition FREEEmergency Medical Technician Classes at Piedmont Technical College are tuition free. The EMT certificate program at PTC combines classroom learning and extensive practical hands on labs. This is a great opportunity and is provided by grants to SC residences some upon approval. Don’t miss out......22 December, 2020 / No comment
Are you a volunteer or combination fire department in SC? Have you applied for a VSAFE Grant to seek funding for critically needed fire & rescue equipment for your team?Time is running out. The deadline for applications is this Friday, December 18, 2020 at 11:59 pm. South Carolina State Fire has provided a mechanism to allow departments to learn about the grant process, what is allowable, how to apply and other tips for a......14 December, 2020 / No comment
NFFF Partners with Organization to Launch Series for Widowhoods of COVIDThe National Fallen Firefighter Foundation has partnered with Soaring Spirits International to develop a COVID-specific widowhood series for their Fire Hero Family community. This is a 24-week resource program for anyone whose spouse or life partner has died due to COVID. It is open to......11 December, 2020 / No comment
SCSFA Seeking Applications for Marketing CoordinatorSouth Carolina State Firefighters’ Association Marketing Coordinator The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association’s Marketing Coordinator is an integral part in the mission and vision of our organization by engaging our members, stakeholders and the community we collectively serve. By fostering strong relationships with those......24 November, 2020 / No comment
Clemson University Offers First Responder Discount for Drone CourseClemson University is offering an Applied Drone Technology course for industry practitioners that starts February 1st, 2021. This 5-week online course teaches fundamental commercial drone operations and software applications. The key learning objectives include 1) passing the FAA Part 107 exam, 2) learning to create......23 November, 2020 / No comment
SCSFA Benefit – LegalShieldAs a reminder, the LegalShield benefit available through the SCSFA provides you and your spouse/significant other with a Will, Living Will and Health Care Power of Attorney at NO extra cost. Annual updates are also available at no cost. LegalShield attorneys have recorded a Will......05 November, 2020 / No comment
New Benefits and Discounts Coming for Our Great Members of the South Carolina Firefighters Association!The Member Benefits Committee is excited to offer more benefits and discounts to our membership. Please click here: Discounts to see the free guide of over 300 deals exclusively for firefighters and first responders. There is no account or membership required, but proof of employment......15 October, 2020 / No comment
The SCSFA Member Benefits Committee is proud to offer new discounts and promotions for our membersThe SC State Firefighters’ Association’s Member Benefits committee is proud to offer new discounts and promotions for over 130 stores. As a firefighter and a member of the South Carolina Firefighters Association you are entitled to savings, discounts, products and services to help make your......02 October, 2020 / No comment
SC General Assembly Passes Firefighter Cancer LegislationThe SC Firefighter Cancer Coalition, South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association’s Executive Committee and SC Firefighters thank the members of the South Carolina Senate and House of Representatives for passing S1071, Firefighter Cancer Health Care Benefit Plan. SC State Firefighters’ Assoication President, Keith Minick stated, “This......23 September, 2020 / No comment
Neighbors App by RingThe SC State Firefighters’ Association is sharing a new form of communicating with your local neighborhood to create safer neighborhoods, promote fire prevention and education. The Neighbors App by Ring, provides local public safety agencies, just like yours, an additional means to educate, prepare and......23 September, 2020 / No comment
Operation Clear Track and Rail Safety Week September 22, 2020The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association is joining first responder agencies in the U.S. and Canada for “Operation Clear Track” — the single largest rail-safety initiative in North America. Coordinated by Amtrak, Operation Lifesaver Inc. and Operation Lifesaver Canada, Operation Clear Track aims to reduce......18 September, 2020 / No comment
Suicide Awareness MonthWhile first responders are affected by suicide every month of the year, September is set aside to be remembered as Suicide Awareness Month. Just a reminder for you that we don’t have to suffer in silence, there are resources available to us and our family. One......17 September, 2020 / No comment
SC Firefighters – WE NEED YOUR HELP!Please watch the short video from the SC State Firefighters’ Association Executive Director, Charlie King as he asks for your help with the Firefighter Cancer Bill – S1071 “Firefighter Cancer Health Care Benefit Plan“. The Firefighter Cancer Health Care Benefit Plan, Senate Bill S1071, continues......15 September, 2020 / No comment
Keep Your SCSFA Membership Info Up-To-DateSCSFA Members, Did you know that if your membership information that is maintained in the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association’s database is not correct or kept up to date the many valuable benefits and resources you receive as a member could be lost? So how......14 September, 2020 / No comment
SC Interagency Drone Users Consortium Virtual Open HouseThe South Carolina Interagency Drone Users Consortium – SCiDUC – a nonprofit association of drone pilots, facilitators & UAS decision makers are hosting a virtual open house October 21, 2020 at 10am. Its membership is exclusive to federal, state and local government employees. SCiDUC has......09 September, 2020 / No comment
Kick Off to Fire Prevention 2020: Fire & Life Safety… Doing Business in a Virtual WorldThe LSE is proud to bring its 1st virtual conference titled Fire & Life Safety… Doing Business in a Virtual World. This 4-hour conference will feature presentations from Deputy Chief Joe Powers (Charlottesville (Va) Fire), Battalion Chief Will Broscious (Columbia (SC) Fire, a CRR Roundtable......08 September, 2020 / No comment
Benefit Minute – Live Well, Work WellChoosing an Effective Hand Sanitizer Hand hygiene is an important response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing hands with soap and water. If those aren’t available, using a hand sanitizer can help you avoid getting sick and......01 September, 2020 / No comment
Message from LLR Director Emily Farr – 2020 CensusFire Service Team: If you have not completed your Census information, then Governor McMaster, Lieutenant Governor Evette, and I encourage you to do so today. It will only take about 10 minutes of your time to complete online. Your participation is vital. South Carolina currently......27 August, 2020 / No comment
SC Forestry Commission Accepting 2020 Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant ApplicationsThe SC Forestry Commission is currently accepting applications for the 2020 Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA)/National Fire Plan (NFP) Grant. This grant is often referred to as the “forestry” grant within the fire service. Application deadline is October 1, 2020. All applications must be post marked by......21 August, 2020 / No comment
Two Beaufort County Citizens Receive SCSFA Citizenship AwardThe #SCSFA was proud to present two Citizenship Awards today to two of Burton, SC outstanding citizens. Denise Lessard of Battery Creek High School and Kelli Bright Burke were nominated by Burton Fire District and received the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association‘s Citizenship Award......19 August, 2020 / No comment
Recollections…Spotlight On Leadership – Part 2This blog is the second in a series which places a spotlight on a number of our fire service leaders from the past and present whose names and contributions may have long been forgotten by current generations of firefighters or whose legacies have never been......11 August, 2020 / No comment
VA Benefits for our membershipDid you know as a firefighter in our great State of South Carolina you can receive benefits as a Military Veteran? Currently, only 19 fire departments in our state and 4 % of the Military Veteran population utilize this program but every fire department can......03 August, 2020 / No comment
57 S.C. Fire Departments Receive FSSC Community DesignationFire Safe South Carolina (FSSC) has actively worked with local fire departments to develop community risk reduction (CRR) plans for their jurisdictions since its launch in June 2017. With the help of local fire departments, we have worked to reduce fire-related injuries, promote consistent messaging,......08 July, 2020 / No comment
Safety Stand Down 2020Hello South Carolina Firefighters, The Association Health & Safety Committee would like to share 2020 Firefighter Safety Stand Down. “Safety Stand Down is a joint initiative of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the National Volunteer Fire Council.” The event focuses on the critical......16 June, 2020 / No comment
2020 Delegate Voting BeginsThe SC State Firefighters’ Association kicked off voting today for 4th Vice-President elections. Those selected as a 2020 delegate representing your fire department should have received a ballot email today, Monday June 1st from [email protected] The email contains a unique link (link will takes you to......01 June, 2020 / No comment
2020 Delegate Selection Closes TomorrowWe would like to take this opportunity to thank the fire departments that have already selected their 2020 delegates Department’s Selected Delegates. Two significant annual actions for SCSFA member fire departments are the selection of delegates and voting! These key factors aid your departments......29 May, 2020 / No comment
REGISTRATION OPEN – Virtual Fire-Rescue 2020 ConferenceWe know you’ve been waiting and now it’s time – REGISTRATION OPEN for the Virtual Fire-Rescue 2020 Conference firerescuesc.org/virtual and we are excited to announce the schedule of events and our national fire service instructors. Thursday June 11, 2020 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Leadership Roundtable......29 May, 2020 / No comment
VIRTUAL FIRE-RESCUE 2020 CONFERENCE On behalf of President Keith Minick and the Executive Board of the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, we invite you to the Virtual Fire-Rescue 2020 Conference, June 11-13, 2020. Unfortunately, the uncertainties of COVID-19 led us to the decision to cancel our in-person......23 May, 2020 / No comment
Recollections…A Spotlight On LeadershipOver the last number of years, I have amassed significant information and research on quite a few fire service leaders from our distant past, many of whom I have known personally. So, I have decided to put my research and personal recollections to pen in......22 May, 2020 / No comment
Throwback Thursday Video Session – Fire-Rescue 2019 Tajh BoydToday, the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association releases the seventh edition of Throwback Thursday video sessions. The SCSFA will post on FireWire each Thursday at 10:00 AM videos from our archives. We are sharing these past videos that contain great nuggets of knowledge from past......21 May, 2020 / No comment
Throwback Thursday Video Session – Fire-Rescue 2016 Clebe McClaryToday, the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association releases the seventh edition of Throwback Thursday video sessions. The SCSFA will post on FireWire each Thursday at 10:00 AM videos from our archives. We are sharing these past videos that contain great nuggets of knowledge from past......14 May, 2020 / No comment
2020 Delegate Selection & VotingThough Fire-Rescue 2020 was canceled, the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association will continue to hold voting for Fourth Vice President, using online voting as we have in years past. Delegate selection is currently open. Fire Chiefs or their designee has until midnight, May 30, 2020......11 May, 2020 / No comment
Throwback Thursday Video Session – “Mission, Men and Me”Today, the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association releases the sixth edition of Throwback Thursday video sessions. The SCSFA will post on FireWire each Thursday at 10:00 AM videos from our archives. We are sharing these past videos that contain great nuggets of knowledge from past......07 May, 2020 / No comment
SC Fire History: Chief Louis Behrens, Life-Time Achievement AwardToday, the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association releases the fifth edition of Throwback Thursday video sessions. The SCSFA will post on FireWire each Thursday at 10:00 AM videos from our archives. We are sharing these past videos that contain great nuggets of knowledge from past......23 April, 2020 / No comment
Fire-Rescue 2020 CanceledThis message is to inform you that, Fire-Rescue 2020 Conference has been cancelled. A vote was taken this week by the S.C. State Firefighters’ Association’s Executive Committee. I am as disappointed in this decision that had to be made, as I am sure you are.......22 April, 2020 / No comment
Major Fires and Their Impact on Current Fire CodesToday, the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association releases the fourth edition of Throwback Thursday video sessions. The SCSFA will post on FireWire each Thursday at 10:00 AM videos from our archives. We are sharing these past videos that contain great nuggets of knowledge from past......16 April, 2020 / No comment
New Information Added Daily to SCSFA COVID-19 Firefighter Resource PageThe S.C. State Firefighters’ Association continues to add information daily to your COVID-19 Firefighter Resource page. We hope this resource page continues to be informative and educational for our Firefighters and their departments while we battle the Coronavirus. The resources page currently provides: State &......14 April, 2020 / No comment
Throwback Thursday Video Session – “Badges: A Civil War Tradition”Today, the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association releases the third edition of Throwback Thursday video sessions. The SCSFA will post on FireWire each Thursday at 10:00 AM videos from our archives. We are sharing these past videos that contain great nuggets of knowledge from past......09 April, 2020 / No comment
Temporary Rule: Paid Leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response ActOn April 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor announced new action regarding how American workers and employers will benefit from the protections and relief offered by the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act, both part of the......06 April, 2020 / No comment
Throwback Thursday Training Session – “Servant Leadership: Participating & Setting an Example”Today, the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association releases the second edition of Throwback Thursday video training sessions. The SCSFA will post on FireWire each Thursday at 10:00 AM training videos from our video archives. We are sharing these past videos that contain great nuggets of......02 April, 2020 / No comment
SCSFA Launches COVID-19 Firefighter ResourcesThe S.C. State Firefighters’ Association launched today, COVID-19 Firefighter Resources. We hope this resource page will be informative and educational for our Firefighters and their departments while we battle the Coronavirus. The resources page currently provides: State & Local Resources – DHEC’s COVID-19 First Responder......31 March, 2020 / No comment
Memories of Past Scourges…and, How They Impacted the Fire ServiceOver the past several days, I have had the opportunity to listen to non-stop reporting, press conferences, endless analysts and pundits discussing the issues facing not only our country but the world as we are in the throes of our most recent pandemic known as......27 March, 2020 / No comment
Throwback Thursday Training Session – “The Future Is Yours”Today, the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association kicks-off our new Throwback Thursday video training sessions. The SCSFA will post on FireWire each Thursday at 10:00 AM training videos from our video archives. We are sharing these past videos that contain great nuggets of knowledge from......26 March, 2020 / No comment
Covid-19 Earnings Limitation Exception And Retirement ContributionsOn March 19, 2020 Governor McMaster approved A116 (H4014) requiring the Executive Budget Office to establish a COVID-19 Response account which will hold $45 million for use by the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) “for those purposes necessary for the health, safety and......26 March, 2020 / No comment
SCSFA Launches Monday Motivations with Chaplain Gary RogersThe South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association is excited to announce the launch of Monday Motivation with Chaplain Gary Rogers. Monday Motivation will begin Monday, March 23rd at 10:00am LIVE on the Assoication’s Facebook page South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association. With all of the new challenges we......20 March, 2020 / No comment
SC Firefighters Insurance Services Remains Prepared to Serve Our Members & ClientsAs we monitor COVID-19, I want to assure you that the South Carolina Firefighters Insurance Services will remain prepared to serve our members and clients. All claims that come into the office for injuries, illness or death will be processed in a timely manner......19 March, 2020 / No comment
SCSFA MODIFIES OFFICE OPERATIONS In an overabundance of caution on behalf of our staff and customer families; the SC State Firefighters’ Association office, located at 111 Westpark Blvd, will close to public access until further notice. Our services offered to firefighters will continue. Staff is available, if......17 March, 2020 / No comment
An update from the Officer SectionHello, Andrew Morris here, your section chair for the Officer Section and Captain with City of Newberry Fire Department. During my time with the Officer Section I have been amazed by what has been offered to our members. Not every fire department has the luxury......09 March, 2020 / No comment
Remembering William Sanders Graham, Delgar Reel Squad (Sumter Fire Department)More than 100 years ago, Will S. Graham served as the acting chief of the Delgar Reel Squad in Sumter. While fighting a fire, he was injured by a falling wall. The next day, Feb. 23, 1907, he succumbed to his injuries, becoming Sumter County’s......21 February, 2020 / No comment
SCSFA Launches Firefighter Cancer PageThe SCSFA has created a page https://scfirefighters.org/sccancerbill/ on our website for its members to better understand the new Firefighter Cancer Health Care Benefit Plan – Senate Bill S1071 & House Bill H5139, that have been introduced in the General Assembly. This page will provide......19 February, 2020 / No comment
SC State Firefighters’ Association & SC Firefighter Cancer Coalition Announce SC Firefighter Cancer LegislationThe South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association in collaboration with SC Firefighter Cancer Coalition is proud to announce that two firefighter cancer bills have been introduced in the South Carolina Senate and House of Representatives. Senators Alexander, Talley, Grooms, Martin, Young & Peeler introduced S 1071,......14 February, 2020 / No comment
SCSFA Health & Safety Committee Hello South Carolina Firefighters, My name is Tracy Williams, and I’m serving as your chairperson for your Health and Safety Committee. The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association Constitution and By-Laws state under Section 2. Standing Committees that the Health and Safety Committee function is......07 February, 2020 / No comment
Brazier Sworn-In as 4th Vice PresidentPer the Association By-Laws, the Executive Committee is proud to announce that it has asked Brian Brazier of Aiken DPS to fulfill the 5-month vacancy created by the Elected Officer progression as a result of the recent hiring of Charlie King and swearing in of......10 January, 2020 / No comment
South Carolina’s First Recorded LODDIn an article researched and written in the last couple of weeks by Susan Duncan, Office Manager at S. C. State Fire, is an account of the City of Columbia’s first “Line of Duty Death” which occurred on December 14, 1868. A very young 21......23 December, 2019 / No comment
Proposed Changes to SCSFA Constitution & ByLawsYour By-Laws Committee along with the Executive Committee is asking for your vote to approve two additions to the Constitution to ensure members are given the opportunity to represent their fire departments; and also, four other recommended changes to the By-laws. Constitution changes The Constitutional......12 December, 2019 / No comment
Columbia’s First Line of Duty Death – Daniel Carrington, Dec. 14, 1868The South Carolina fire service will always remember Daniel “Danny” Carrington – the first “Line of Duty Death” recorded in Columbia’s fire service history who died Dec. 14, 1868. It also remembers Frazer “Frazee” Squier, a “volunteer citizen” who also died that fateful day. Just......12 December, 2019 / No comment
South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association Announces New Executive DirectorThe South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association is proud to announce the selection of Charlie King as its new Executive Director. Chief King comes to the Association from Oconee County where he served as the Fire Chief. Chief King has most recently served as the 73rd......11 December, 2019 / No comment
December…A Deadly Month In Fire HistoryWe are now well into the winter months, and for all of us it’s important to be reminded that fire safety should be a central focus as we go about our busy lives. Whether it’s at work, on shopping outings, taking in concerts/movies/church services, or......05 December, 2019 / No comment
STATE FIRE – FREQUENCY OF REPORTING FIREFIGHTER INJURIESFREQUENCY OF REPORTING FIREFIGHTER INJURIES Purpose: The purpose of the Phase III Research Study is to determine frequency of firefighter injuries and the various injury reporting processes. Participants will be asked to complete an online survey at the end of each on-duty shift**. The approximate......15 November, 2019 / No comment
Did you know that the South Carolina State Firefighters Association was created just for you?Did you know that the South Carolina State Firefighters Association was created just for you? That’s right; our State Firefighters Association was created and operates today to provide you, the South Carolina Firefighter a place to receive world class benefits, programs and training opportunities that......05 November, 2019 / No comment
Wills for Heroes – Florence CountyPreparing a will is an uncomfortable reminder of our mortality and surrendering to the inevitable. According to a November 12, 2007, Forbes magazine article, a Harris Interactive survey done for lawyers.com that found that 55% of the general population had no will and those numbers are even......24 October, 2019 / No comment
Finance and Audit CommitteeMy name is Marquis Solomon and I am your chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee for your South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association. Our committee has six (6) total members, one (1) serves as the Finance and Audit committee chair who also serves as one......21 October, 2019 / No comment
SCSFA is currently seeking applications for Executive DirectorThe SC State Firefighters’ Association is now searching for its next Executive Director. This would be the 6th Director in the 114 year history of the Association and represents the daily leadership position for the 17,500 member organization. The Executive Director’s position is a multi-varied......01 October, 2019 / No comment
It’s Fire Prevention Week, How’s your community equity?This year Fire Prevention Week will take place from October 6th through the 12th. In most cases, Fire Prevention Week extends to the entire month of October and provides a unique opportunity not only to educate community members, but also to build community equity with those......26 September, 2019 / No comment
SCSFA Launches New Cancer SurveysThe South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association’s Health & Safety Committee and Legislative Committee have collaborated to continue the Association’s Firefighter Cancer Campaign – “This is my fight”. To keep this initiative moving forward, two surveys from SurveyMonkey are being disbursed to our membership. One survey......06 September, 2019 / No comment
Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) GrantThe South Carolina Forestry Commission administers the Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants program in the Palmetto State, awarding varying amounts of financial assistance to rural/volunteer fire departments every year. The grants are used by the volunteer fire departments to organize, train and equip themselves to......26 August, 2019 / No comment
SCSFA’s Life Safety Education Section’s “New Beginnings For A Safer Tomorrow” ConferenceAs this year’s President of the Life Safety Section of the SC State Firefighters’ Association, I invite you to this year’s Life Safety Education Conference. The members of the conference committee have worked very hard to make this conference both beneficial and cost effective for......18 July, 2019 / No comment
South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association Selects Interim ConsultantThe South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association (SCSFA) welcomes Joe Palmer, past SCSFA Executive Director as a consultant to assist with the duties of the Executive Director for an interim period. Palmer served as the Associations’ Executive Director for nearly 10 years and is currently with......17 July, 2019 / No comment
1% – Use It Wisely or Lose It!Over the past year, the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association’s 1% staff have been assisting departments across the state to better understand the policies and procedures of the Firemen’s Insurance & Inspection Fund. After a Legislative Audit Council (LAC) 2018 audit, the Association’s Supervisory Committee......07 June, 2019 / No comment
2019 Delegate Selection & VotingThe 114th annual SC Fire-Rescue Conference is upcoming and your Association is proud to offer online voting for the 4th Vice President election. Fire Chiefs, you have until midnight, June 14th to select your delegates. Delegates must have a good email addresses in the SC......31 May, 2019 / No comment
Message from SCSFA President & Executive CommitteeToday, Tres Atkinson, President of the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association (SCSFA) along with the Executive Committee; announced the resignation of M. Kyle Minick, Executive Director of the SCSFA, effective Thursday, June 13, 2019. Executive Director Minick stated, “This decision was not taken lightly but......28 May, 2019 / No comment
SCSFA Past President & Clarendon County Fire Chief RetiresLong-time Clarendon County Fire Chief, Frances A. Richbourg, officially begins her retirement today from her 40 + years in the fire service. Chief Richbourg began her career as a volunteer firefighter in the late seventies when that department was in its infancy. She was attracted......02 May, 2019 / No comment
Fire Service Legislative Day 2019The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association is hosting its 36th annual Fire Service Legislative Day. WHO: South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association (SCSFA) WHAT: 2019 Fire Service Legislative Day WHERE: Statehouse Grounds (b/t Blatt & Gressette Buildings, under white tent) WHEN: Tuesday, March 19, 2019 10:00......12 March, 2019 / No comment
Frequency of Reporting Firefighter Injuries SurveyDear South Carolina Firefighters, State Fire is gathering information to analyze the nature and culture of injury reporting in South Carolina. As such, we would appreciate your anonymous feedback by completing the statewide Frequency of Reporting Firefighter Injuries online survey. There are 21 quick questions......08 March, 2019 / No comment
SCSFA Member Services – Job PostingMEMBER SERVICES – The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association is currently seeking applications for the position of Member Services. The Member Services position works with a highly motivated group of staff and volunteers of a 17,500 member nonprofit organization. This position carries out the mission......26 February, 2019 / No comment
Walk Like MADDIn the fire service we all to often see the results of the decision to drink and drive. Cutting tangled vehicles apart to get seriously injured adults and children on their way to trauma centers or worse, gaining access to the remains of people so......29 January, 2019 / No comment
South Carolina Fire & Community Risk Reduction SummitA Message from FireSafe South Carolina…… You are invited to the Thursday, Feb. 7 Summit being held at the S.C. Fire Academy Denny Auditorium in Columbia. The daylong event is filled with speakers, vendors, and demonstrations from our national and local partners. Lunch will......28 January, 2019 / No comment
Announcing 2019–2020 AirMedCare Network Open EnrollmentMessage from your SCSFA Benefits Committee… Dear South Carolina Firefighter, Great News! The South Carolina Firefighter’s Association (SCFA) has arranged for AirMedCare Network (AMCN) to provide South Carolina Firefighters with a special “firefighters – only” discounted rate. Annual Membership Fees for South Carolina Firefighter’s......22 January, 2019 / No comment
“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”…Or Is It?Do you know the song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”? Andy Williams is who I most remember singing this. The song talks about the fun times of the Christmas season. I want to take a few minutes and compare parts of this......10 December, 2018 / No comment
NFFF Asks Your Support to Improve Firefighter Cardiac HealthAs a SC State Advocate for the NFFF Everyone Goes Home Program, Rick Dangerfield (N. Charleston Fire) want to ensure as many of our firefighters as possible, receive this opportunity to provide input into the gathering of information that will help improve Firefighter Cardiac Health.......03 December, 2018 / No comment
Wills for HeroesPreparing a will is an uncomfortable reminder of our mortality and surrendering to the inevitable. According to a November 12, 2007, Forbes magazine article, a Harris Interactive survey done for lawyers.com that found that 55% of the general population had no will and those numbers are even......20 November, 2018 / No comment
Dennis Straight Procession Route, Lancaster County Fire RescueThe Memorial Service will be held at the Second Baptist Church in Lancaster on Saturday, November 17th commencing at 3:00pm. At 12:45 pm; Engine 501 will leave Lancaster Funeral Home and escort Chief Straight to Charlotte Road/ Van Wyck Fire Department and back to meet with......14 November, 2018 / No comment
Charlotte Hornets First Responder NightThe Charlotte Hornets and Novant Health would like to honor all of our First Responders, Fire Personnel, Emergency Medical Personnel, as well as families and friends with a night dedicated just for you. We will recognize the efforts of these brave men and women with......09 November, 2018 / No comment
1% Regional Training ClassThe South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association (SCSFA) is charged by State Law with the fiduciary responsibility of the Firemen’s Insurance & Inspection Fund. One of the many ways the SCSFA demonstrates their fiduciary responsibility is to conduct yearly audits on member fire department’s Firemen’s Insurance......01 November, 2018 / No comment
Nichols Officials Thank First RespondersMayor & Administrator attend firefighter quarterly meeting to thank them for assistance during Hurricane Florence Columbia, S. C.: At the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association quarterly training program and business meeting held on Wednesday at the S. C. Fire Academy, the group of nearly 200......29 October, 2018 / No comment
Officer Section KickOff MeetingMark your calendars, September 27th, for the “Kick Off” meeting of the new Officers’ Section sponsored by the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association. The meeting will begin at 10:00 A.M. at the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association (112 Westpark Blvd. Columbia 20210) where ample parking is......29 August, 2018 / No comment
2018 Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA)/National Fire Plan (NFP) Grant OpenThe SC Forestry Commission is currently accepting applications for the 2018 Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA)/National Fire Plan (NFP) Grant. This grant is often referred to as the “Forestry” grant within the fire service. Application deadline is October 1, 2018. Click on the link below to......15 August, 2018 / No comment
Time is running outThe 2018 Kickoff to Fire Prevention Conference is approaching quickly. You won’t want to miss the 2018 Kickoff to Fire Prevention in Camden, SC September 20-22, 2018. The last day to get the reduced rates at the hotels ends on Friday, August 17th. Call and......14 August, 2018 / No comment
No SolicitationAs a reminder the SCSFA would never contact firefighters directly by any form of communication requesting money for dues or any other reason. We would only contact fire department’s primary contact about department dues. If you have any questions about receiving contact from any SCSFA......09 August, 2018 / No comment
Upcoming SCFAST Training and Team MeetingSCFAST has a busy few months ahead. See the following events and we look forward to seeing you there. If you have questions about either event or want to know more about SCFAST, visit scfirefighters.org/FAST or contact the SC FAST State Coordinator, Patti Graham (803-968-9336) ......09 August, 2018 / No comment
The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Foundation Receives Dominion Energy GrantThe South Carolina State Firefighters’ Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting firefighters throughout South Carolina, has received a $5,000 donation from Dominion Energy. Foundation Chairman Chief Jamie Caggiano said, “Donations from our business partners like Dominion Energy are vital for the Foundation’s mission; supportingfirefighters who......26 July, 2018 / No comment
S.C. State Firefighters’ Association Officers Section – JOIN TODAYA few years ago, the SC State Firefighters’ Association changed the by-laws to allow for the formation of Sections. A Section is a group of Association members with like interests and goals. At Fire-Rescue 2018, the Association announced the creation of a brand-new Section, the......16 July, 2018 / No comment
SFPE Conference Fire Service Scholarships AvailableThe Society of Fire Protection Engineering is offering 10 scholarships to the fire service so they may attend the North America Conference being held in Nashville, TN. The scholarship covers registration cost to attend the conference and the conference features a special track the fire......11 July, 2018 / No comment
Daniel’s LawMost South Carolinians look to the Fire Service as a beacon of hope and a place of safety, security, and trust in some of the most difficult times in their lives. As members of the South Carolina Fire Service, we wanted to provide you with......10 July, 2018 / No comment
Upcoming Emotional Trauma Life Support (ETLS) courseThe South Carolina EMS Association, South Carolina Firefighters Association, and DHEC are hosting two Emotional Trauma Life Support courses, taught by Sarah Mielke in August 2018. These unique and intuitive two-day, sixteen hour “modular” training program designed to train Emergency Responders in how to deal with......09 July, 2018 / No comment
S.C.’s new personal emergency app, new SCEMD websiteResidents in South Carolina now have a new mobile tool to help them be personally prepared for large-scale emergencies, such as hurricanes. The S.C. Emergency Management Division recently unveiled the SC Emergency Manager, a smartphone app designed for users to build their own emergency plans,......21 June, 2018 / No comment
VOTE!The 113th annual SC Fire-Rescue Conference is less than three weeks away which means delegates will be casting their votes for the 4th Vice President by June 15, 2018, so delegates make sure you cast your votes when you receive your email. These emails will......30 May, 2018 / No comment
International Fire Sprinkler Day: May 19 In support of International Fire Sprinkler Day, South Carolina fire service organizations are conducting side by side demonstrations at the following locations and times; -EdVenture Children’s Museum, 211 Gervais Street, Columbia – 3:30 pm -Hardeeville Super Walmart, 4400 US Highway 278, Hardeeville – noon ......14 May, 2018 / No comment
SAFER Grant and VolunteersWith Department of Homeland Security SAFER proceeds, the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association has been pleased to financially assist fire departments to provide training, fitness for duty physicals, and personal protective equipment for new volunteer firefighters in the following counties: Berkeley Calhoun Laurens Marlboro McCormick......08 May, 2018 / No comment
SC State Fire Class AnnouncemnetsNew Online Course Available! The Functional Fitness for Public Safety online class is an awareness program bringing the elements of wellness and health together. Whether your department is in the beginning stages of building a fitness program, making changes to current policies, or just needs......02 May, 2018 / No comment
Foundation Stair ClimbAssociation Members, The South Carolina Firefighters Foundation is reaching out to our Association members, partners, families and friends to consider supporting us in the First Annual Foundation Stair Climb. This event will consist of a race / climb to the top of tallest building in......02 May, 2018 / No comment
The Spartanburg Fire Department is hosting “How Will You Deal With An Active Shooter?”The Spartanburg Fire Department is hosting Chief Otto Drozd of the Orange County Fire Rescue Department to talk about his department’s response to the Pulse Nightclub shooting, and about his work as part of the new NFPA 3000 committee. This committee has created a national......01 May, 2018 / No comment
Delegates SelectionFor three years now, the Association has used a feature that allowed registered delegates to cast their vote online for the 4th vice-president position on our Executive Committee. Like previous years, we will only offer online voting for the 4th vice-president position. That means selected delegates must have a registered email address on......13 April, 2018 / No comment
EMD FY 2019 Hazardous Materials Planning & Training Grant PackagesFY 2019 Hazardous Materials Planning & Training Grant Packages have been mailed. A copy of the application for the federal Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning (HMEP) grant program has been sent to all South Carolina “Local Emergency Planning Commission” (LEPC) offices. The deadline is May 15,......06 April, 2018 / No comment
Upcoming SC FAST TrainingThe SCSFA First Responders’ Assistance and Support Team (SCFAST) is hosting several new upcoming training programs. ( Description Below) April 14 and 15 at Sumter Training grounds 0830-1700 (To Enroll in this specific class, email Patti at [email protected]) May 2 and 3 at Greenville City......03 April, 2018 / No comment
SC Housing Announces 12 Years of Housing our HeroesSOUTH CAROLINA STATE HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (SC HOUSING) ANNOUNCES… 12 Years of Housing our Heroes $14 Million Available for the THE 2018 PALMETTO HEROES PROGRAM For POLICE OFFICERS-FIRE FIGHTERS-EMS-TEACHERS–NURSES–VETERANS-ARMY AND AIR NATIONAL GUARD As of April 2, 2018 4.0% Interest Rate and Up to $6,000 in Down payment assistance ......03 April, 2018 / No comment
Time is ticking awayAs we approach the final 5 months of the 2013 SAFER grant awarded to the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, opportunities still exist for adding at least 30 new trained firefighters in these counties: Allendale Bamberg Berkeley Calhoun Chesterfield Dillon Edgefield Hampton Jasper......02 April, 2018 / No comment
The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association announces its new Executive Director The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association is proud to announce the selection of M. Kyle Minick as its new Executive Director. Executive Director Minick comes to the Association from the City of North Charleston where he served as the Deputy Chief of Operations. Chief......27 March, 2018 / No comment
Camp ‘Can Do’ Looking for VolunteersDear Camp ‘Can Do’ volunteer applicant: It is with great pleasure we are hosting the 22nd annual Camp ‘Can’ Do. Thank you for your interest in volunteering for Camp this summer. Camp ‘Can’ Do would not be possible without volunteers such as yourself. Camp ‘Can’......12 March, 2018 / No comment
SCSFA Asking Departments to Complete New Recruitment Profile, Seeks Firefighters to be Featured in Recruitment CampaignsThe South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association’s SAFER grant-funded recruitment efforts include features to bolster your department’s presence on our soon-to-be revamped statewide recruitment website: SCVolunteerFire.org, as well as a casting call for volunteers who showcase the best of what our fire service has to offer.......12 March, 2018 / No comment
South Carolina Selects First Arriving to Lead Major Upgrade to Statewide Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment EffortsCOLUMBIA, SC (February 26) – The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association has selected leading fire services agency First Arriving to drive new marketing programs aimed at growing the volunteer firefighter ranks throughout the state. The major components of the program include development of a new......06 March, 2018 / No comment
Walk Like MADD Walk Team RegistrationThe 5th Annual Walk Like MADD Saturday, April 14th, 2018 For years I have been promoting the fire service’s participation in regional and state MADD functions. It is the firefighters and medics who must deal with the carnage on our roadways as a result......28 February, 2018 / No comment
FY17 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program OpenWe have received the following notification from FEMA indicating the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Program application period is open through Senator Graham’s office: This serves as notification that the application period for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Fiscal......26 February, 2018 / No comment
SCSFA Director of Administration NamedThe SC State Firefighters Association is happy to announce the hiring of Ernest “Brick” Lewis as the new Director of Administration for the Association. Brick comes to the Association from the Columbia Fire Department where he served as the department PIO. Brick’s duties will be......23 February, 2018 / No comment
The Passing of Harry GirtmanWe are sorry to inform you of the passing of a great friend and fire service icon, Harry Girtman. Harry was long a fixture of the Academy and of the Instructors Society, was irreplaceable, and certainly now will be missed. Shives Funeral Services of Columbia......18 February, 2018 / No comment
Association Seeking Training and Events CoordinatorThe South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association is currently seeking applications for the position of TRAINING and EVENTS COORDINATOR. The T&E Coordinator works with a highly motivated group of staff and volunteers in helping coordinate and provide logistics for programs of a 17,500 member not for......16 February, 2018 / No comment
Walk like MADD ColumbiaCome support Columbia MADD by walking. Get a group together and come out on April 14, 2018. For more information and registration, go to www.walklikemadd.org/columbia or call (803) 748-7333 2018 WLM TEAM FLYER...12 February, 2018 / No comment
SCSFA Director of Operations AnnouncedThe Association is happy to announce the promotion of Ashley Boltin to the position of Director of Operations for the SC State Firefighters’ Association. Ashley has been with the Association for 10 years and has held many positions offering her a unique opportunity to experience......07 February, 2018 / No comment
SCSFA is currently seeking applications for Executive DirectorThe South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association is currently seeking applications for the position of EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Executive Director leads a highly motivated group of staff and volunteers which oversees the operation and administration of a 17,500 member not for profit organization. The Executive Director......05 February, 2018 / No comment
Proviso 62.23 funding for 2018 has been receivedWe are pleased to announce that Proviso 62.23 funding for 2018 has been received. Our Association efforts to prevent, train and financially help our members with “PTSD” continues to grow FAST Team members and the Association extend our thanks to the General Assembly for one again......29 January, 2018 / No comment
Training & Education Fee UpdateDuring 2018 Fire Service Improvement Conference (FSI) on January 20, I was afforded the opportunity to speak with our membership on an upcoming change to our Training & Education (T&E) Fee assessment. As many of our members know, the Fireman’s Insurance & Inspection Fund (1%)......26 January, 2018 / No comment
SC Fire Academy Class OfferingsNFA’s Command and Control for Incident Operations March 19 – 24, 2018 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. SCFA Columbia Campus During this free six-day NFA course, fire officers are introduced to the Incident Command System (ICS), and study proper command techniques for control and extinguishment......18 January, 2018 / No comment
Savvik offers TKK Bid Sheet to MembersElectronics are a very big spend for services and getting the right equipment is very important, Savvik Buying Group has an excellent program with TKK on rugged laptops and tablets already bid and awarded on our RFB #2017-05 and we have a vast selection to fit your......04 January, 2018 / No comment
South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association Seeks BidsThe SCSFA is going mobile as it is soliciting bids for a trailer mounted mobile digital message board. Approval for acquiring the mobile message board came as a result of a recent amendment to our 2013 SAFER grant through the Department of Homeland Security. The......19 December, 2017 / No comment
The Lancaster Jail Fire of 1979By Carter Jones Special Projects Coordinator Nearly 40 years ago on December 27th the City of Lancaster, South Carolina experienced the tragic loss of eleven inmates who died in a rapidly spreading fire in its county jail. According to James R. Bell, a member of......15 December, 2017 / No comment
State Fire offers NFA’s Residential Sprinkler Plan ReviewIn February 2018, State Fire is offering a free NFA course at the South Carolina Fire Academy. Residential Sprinkler Plan Review provides primary guidance for the approval of residential sprinkler systems including National Fire Protection Association 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA......04 December, 2017 / No comment
Recruitment Grant Adjustments As grant year 3 was nearing completion, we received permission to extend the proceeds of our SAFER grant for additional firefighters into an additional 5 counties of South Carolina. Those counties are: Dillon, Edgefield, Marion, Saluda, and Williamsburg. These areas are largely rural and......28 November, 2017 / No comment
Seeking New ProposalsA recent amendment to our 2013 Department of Homeland Security Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Responders grant is providing additional opportunities for communicating the need of volunteer firefighting personnel. These notices seek Request for Proposals for 2 separate activities-conducting a fire service needs assessment......21 November, 2017 / No comment
Wills for Heroes Program : Recruiting for a Low Country EventAt Nelson Mullins and Blackbaud, Inc. we appreciate the extraordinary sacrifices made by firefighters, police, and emergency medical technicians every day. In an effort to show our appreciation for their efforts and sacrifices, we offer the Wills for Heroes Program. The program offers first response......07 November, 2017 / No comment
South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association seeks new team memberThe South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association is seeking a highly motivated person to join the team of member service professionals by adding the new position of Director of Operations. The Director of Operations reports directly to the Executive Director and supports the advocacy, education, safety,......31 October, 2017 / No comment
S.C. Fire Academy hosting a free 6-day Fire Inspection Principles class NFA’s Fire Inspection Principles I is a free six-day course that introduces the student to the fundamental methodology for application of fire and life safety codes and standards. Although it contains many of the basic principles of code enforcement, more experienced code inspectors and......30 October, 2017 / No comment
2013 SAFER GRANT I was pleased to update attendees at our SC State Firefighters’ Association fall quarterly meeting last week at the South Carolina Fire Academy on the current status of our 2013 SAFER grant for recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters. The intent of the grant......19 October, 2017 / No comment
State Association Donates to National Fire Heritage CenterCarter Jones, Special Projects Coordinator, attended the Annual Board Meeting of the National Fire Heritage Center on October 9, in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Jones presented several items to the Heritage Center on behalf of the S. C. State Firefighters’ Association. (Pictured left to......12 October, 2017 / No comment
S.C. Fire Academy Course Date CorrectionDATE CORRECTION NFA’s course offering of “Who Protects Firefighters from Firefighters” will take place December 7 – 8 at the South Carolina Fire Academy. NOT December 15 – 16, as previously advertised. Course Information: http://www.scfa.state.sc.us/PDF/2017/NFA%20Who%20Saves%20Firefighters%20from%20Firefighters.pdf Note: In order to proceed with offering the course on its assigned date, the......05 October, 2017 / No comment
Past President Skip Hannon losses his fight with cancerPlease join the Association Executive Committee and Staff, in our remembrance of the passing on Sunday October first, of our friend, mentor, and Past President Skip Hannon. Past President Hannon had to come SC from Pennsylvania with Mack Trucks of Winnsboro. But he quickly he became a......01 October, 2017 / No comment
Wellness can keep you in the game.Do you want to stay healthy and on the job? A single sneeze can spread a 100,000 germs! Be educated, Be prepared and take precautions. Educate yourself on Flu and common cold facts.. Avoid the crud by using 3 easy steps….Flu Vaccine Have......27 September, 2017 / No comment
Upcoming Courses at South Carolina Fire AcademyThe S.C. Fire Academy has an incredible Fall course lineup scheduled. You really need to check them out and register early. Here are just some: Best Practices in Community Risk Reduction Class date: Oct 23-24, 2017 (The final deadline for registration is Oct. 9) Due......27 September, 2017 / No comment
Contributions of African-Americans To South Carolina’s Fire ServiceFor the last several years, this writer has done a lot of reading about the history of South Carolina’s fire service, and I have tried to capture its relevance by putting to pen those stories from our past. While doing research for all of these......26 September, 2017 / No comment
Important message from LegalShield, an SCSFA partnerPLEASE BE AWARE: Recently Equifax announced that their computer servers were compromised and thieves hacked the personal information for 143 million U.S. families. As a courtesy, we wanted to remind you that you have access to the comprehensive ID Theft protection benefit, ID Shield at......21 September, 2017 / No comment
Free NFPA 2017 Fire Prevention Week Electronic Logos and 2017 Kickoff to Fire PreventionDear Life Safety Educators and Friends, As we approach Fire Prevention Week 2017 NFPA would like to share a link with you so you can print your LOCAL materials in both English and Spanish in high resolution and web ready: http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/campaigns/fire-prevention-week-2/promoting-fpw/campaign-logo Hopefully you will be......19 September, 2017 / No comment
Last day to register! – NFA Best Practices in Community Risk-ReductionWith recent weather related events in Texas and Florida, our communities are at risk to danger with hurricanes and other natural disasters. However, there is also a risk in our everyday lives we need to be aware of and prevent – whether it be in......14 September, 2017 / No comment
Evening of Remembrance and T2TPlease plan to join us on both the 9/11 Evening of Remembrance and on September 15, 2017 for the Tunnel2Towers SC run-walk. We hope you join us and meet your first responders, military service members, veterans from the Dorn VA Hospital, USC’s ROTC, and our......05 September, 2017 / No comment
South Carolina State Fire – Fire Scene 2017 South Carolina State Fire is hosting Fire Scene 2017 at the South Carolina Fire Academy September 16-17. This two-day event provides an opportunity for firefighters of all levels of experience to further their careers through a variety of courses. The featured course this year......23 August, 2017 / No comment
Deadline Friday, August 25 – Fire Officer III Course OfferingSouth Carolina Fire Academy is partnering with Maryland Fire Rescue Institute to offer Fire Officer III to members of the state’s fire service. The course dates include Sept. 25-29 (1st week) and Oct. 16-20 (2nd week). The course objective is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to address the......21 August, 2017 / No comment
Some Changes for the Firemen’s Insurance & Inspection FundI hope everyone has enjoyed their summer to this point. I know all our member departments are anticipating receiving their 2017 Firemen’s Insurance & Inspection Fund distribution. I would like to inform you of some changes for the Firemen’s Insurance & Inspection Fund. First, an......16 August, 2017 / No comment
We Are All In a “Race to Save Lives”; Are You Winning?Guest Post Life Safety Education Section’s Lee Levesque, Are you and yours ready to cross the finish line come this October? Are you certain that you are getting the right message out to the right people in a state where more people are dying by......02 August, 2017 / No comment
Leading to New VolunteersAmong the many joys of my life as a son, brother, husband, father, and Papa there is another-serving Greenville County and the State of South Carolina as a Paramedic and Firefighter. This pathway was instilled in my life by the wonderful examples of my parents,......01 August, 2017 / No comment
Association Retirement Plan: 2nd Quarter Market Commentary Second Quarter 2017 Market Commentary Market Summary: Thankfully the stock market has forward-looking tendencies, as the prospect of double-digit growth in corporate profits easily overshadowed an increasingly partisan political climate in the second quarter. S&P 500 stocks gained 3.1% during the period, bringing the S&P......31 July, 2017 / No comment
Solving the “Mystery” of Two AssociationsBy: Carter Jones Special Projects Coordinator Soon after being employed by the Firefighters’ Association in 2014, this writer discovered at the State Archives a Petition of Incorporation for “The S. C. Volunteer Firemen’s Association”, dated June 6, 1898. It is petitioned by eleven (11) individuals,......25 July, 2017 / No comment
Under The Helmet: Addressing the Hidden Problemby Firefighter Matthew Going, Firefighting seems like a glorious profession to have and a honorable way to volunteer. There is a ton of camaraderie in the fire service. It gives us a sense of belonging, of worth. You get to wear the badge proudly, wear the......13 July, 2017 / No comment
#ThisIsMyFight… An important campaign for all of us.Last month at the Fire Rescue Conference, the Association launched the “This is my fight” campaign in an effort to help prevent cancer among South Carolina’s firefighters. The purpose of this campaign is to create greater awareness about the risk of cancer and show how......05 July, 2017 / No comment
Firemen’s Insurance & Inspection Fund – Some new changesI would like to take this time to thank our members and their guests who attended the 112th SCSFA Fire-Rescue Conference. Your staff is already diligently preparing for the 2018 SCSFA Fire-Rescue Conference to be held in Columbia, SC. There will be many exciting new......27 June, 2017 / No comment
Exciting News from the FoundationThe SC Firefighers’ Foundation is excited about our new fundraising app. With it we are shooting to raise 1 million dollars to support firefighters and their families. The app only cost $25.00, but when you use it to purchase things you normally buy at over......22 June, 2017 / No comment
Pre-Disaster Mitigation and Flood Mitigation Assistance grantsGood Afternoon, We are pleased to announce an update for the 2017 Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant programs. Congress has allocated $100 million towards PDM and $175 million for FMA. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is assessing how they will......21 June, 2017 / No comment
Spartanburg ESA 2017 Summer Leadership Series June 29 Spartanburg ESA is hosting a one-day leadership seminar. Please check out the attached flyer for more information, registration and contacts....07 June, 2017 / No comment
Pet Oxygen Kits to be Presented to Firefighters at Fire-Rescue Conference in Myrtle BeachMYRTLE BEACH – June 5, 2017 – The South Carolina Firefighters’ Association Fire-Rescue Conference will be held in the Myrtle Beach Convention Center the week of June 12-17, 2017. After the Business Meeting on Thursday June 15 of the Conference, a presentation of the Pet......06 June, 2017 / No comment
Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade GrantThe 2017 Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade grant application period is open for a few more weeks, and we would appreciate your help in making sure eligible departments in South Carolina know about the program. These are no-match grants of up to $10,000 that fund needed gear......23 May, 2017 / No comment
Foundation Notes and Upcoming ActivitiesThe Firefighters’ Foundation was a great initiative of our Association that is now 17 years old. The Trustees are working hard to create new ideas to empower you to help your fellow firefighters in good times and bad, the sole reason for the Foundation to......11 May, 2017 / No comment
Attention Members: Please register for this year’s conferenceWe are doing something new this year by requiring members to register for the annual Fire-Rescue Conference to be held June 12-17, 2017 in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Please visit the attendee page of the conference website, and there you will find the link to register.......29 April, 2017 / No comment
South Carolina Society of Fire Service Instructors Request for NominationsSouth Carolina Society of Fire Service Instructors Request for Nominations The SCSFSI will recognize excellence in instruction at the June 2017 Fire-rescue Conference to be held in Myrtle Beach. The recipients will be selected from those nominated by the ones who know the most of......24 April, 2017 / No comment
Attention Members: Please register for this year’s conferenceWe are doing something new this year by requiring members to register for the annual Fire-Rescue Conference to be held June 12-17, 2017 in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Please visit the attendee page of the conference website, and there you will find the link to register.......07 April, 2017 / No comment
Old Joe of NewberryProbably one of the most famous fire horses in our state’s history was Old Joe of Newberry. In 1902, a freight train with livestock rolled into the town of Newberry, and in the car was a large Kentucky bay gelding standing “16 hands high and......04 April, 2017 / No comment
Peer Team Training Program April 14-15 | SC Fire Academy “Reaching Out”, Helping our Own, is a program presented by our South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, in cooperation with the South Carolina Fire Academy, the National Fallen Firefighters’ Foundation and the South Carolina Department of Mental Health, to address the behavioral health needs of our......28 March, 2017 / No comment
PRESS RELEASE: Fire Fatalities Outpacing Past YearsSouth Carolina State Firefighters’ Association Life Safety Education Section PRESS RELEASE March 22, 2016 Fire Fatalities Far Outpacing Past Years – Action Needed! As of March 21, South Carolina has experienced 40 fire deaths this year. Firefighters everywhere stand with the S.C. State Fire Marshal......22 March, 2017 / No comment
Joint Response to Active Shooter Events Training – June 1Shaw Air Force Base Fire Dept. will host Dr. Mike Clumpner for a one day lecture on Joint Response to Active Shooter Events on June 1st at the USC Sumter-Nettles Auditorium. It’s open to all Fire/Police/EMS/EM/EOD/Dispatchers/School & Hospital Admin. Click here for the announcement and......22 March, 2017 / No comment
Delegate Selection Process is Now OpenThe conference delegate selection process is now open. Like the previous two years, we will offer online voting for the 4th vice-president position. That means selected delegates must have a registered email address on their membership profile in the Association Member Management System (MMS, online database).......14 March, 2017 / No comment
Palmetto 800 P25 UpgradesPlease read the attached notice from the Palmetto 800 Radio Network. P-25 Letter 03-07-17 Date: March 7, 2017 To: All Palmetto 800 System Users From: George Crouch Subject: Palmetto 800 P25 Upgrades “Immediate......09 March, 2017 / No comment
Optimizing Your “One Percent” UsageSeveral departments are utilizing their one percent funds to cover their employees 100%. Career and Volunteer firefighters have the risk of suffering a work related injury. Worker’s Compensation covers 66% of a career employee’s salary and an estimated $186 per week for volunteers. Most firefighters......02 March, 2017 / No comment
Legislative Day 2017We hope you will join us on March 8, 2017 for the Annual Fire Service Legislative Day. You can view the latest legislative updates HERE. Time: 10:00-2:00 Location: Statehouse Grounds (look for the white tent on the north side of Blatt Building) Lunch......27 February, 2017 / 1 Comment
Fire Rescue Tower Cross Training Course | May 17-18, 2017The American Towing & Recovery Institute is hosting a 2-day Fire-Rescue-Tow Cross Training course in Myrtle Beach, May 17-18, 2017. This program features nationally known extrication expert Ron Moore and towing and recovery instructor, Wes Wilburn. Click here for information and registration form....24 February, 2017 / No comment
The fire services of Aiken County would ask for your attention to the below details of the funeral of Phillip “Eddie” Turner.Funeral services for firefighter Phillip E. “Eddie” Turner will be held Friday February 24th at 2pm at Millbrook Baptist Church 223 South Aiken Blvd, Aiken SC 29803. Eddie began his public service career with the Graniteville Police Department, followed by the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office......22 February, 2017 / No comment
The SC State Firefighters’ Foundation: A Great Public/Private PartnershipWhat is a public/private partnership, and why does the SC Firefighters’ Foundation qualify as a great one? All public agencies work on budgets and there are many needs that compete for funding. There are certain services that are critical for public safety and conservation of......22 February, 2017 / No comment
The Life of W. Herbert Tanner…72 Years of “Active” ServiceBy: Carter Jones Special Projects Coordinator January 16, 2017 Each day I am challenged and inspired by the stories of people from our past and even the present whose lives reveal uncommon sacrifice, commitment to service, bravery, and the silent spirit of servant leadership. In......14 February, 2017 / No comment
Grant opportunity for select departments involved with the Pinnacle Mountain fireClick here for guidelines and application...18 January, 2017 / No comment
Heritage NewsVestibulum ac diam sit amet quam vehicula elementum sed sit amet dui. Nulla quis lorem ut libero malesuada feugiat. Cras ultricies ligula sed magna dictum porta. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas......13 January, 2017 / No comment
Life Safety NewsVestibulum ac diam sit amet quam vehicula elementum sed sit amet dui. Nulla quis lorem ut libero malesuada feugiat. Cras ultricies ligula sed magna dictum porta. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas......13 January, 2017 / No comment
Who Was Henry Johniken?A few months ago I wrote a story about the line of duty death of a young teenage fireman, Thomas Bramlett, from the City of Laurens which occurred back in 1889. This story would have been lost to time had it not been for the......13 January, 2017 / No comment
Recruitment NewsPraesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non nisi. Pellentesque in ipsum id orci porta dapibus. Proin eget tortor risus. Cras ultricies ligula sed magna dictum porta. Nulla quis lorem ut libero malesuada feugiat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus.......13 January, 2017 / No comment
Record Keeping NewsPraesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non nisi. Pellentesque in ipsum id orci porta dapibus. Proin eget tortor risus. Cras ultricies ligula sed magna dictum porta. Nulla quis lorem ut libero malesuada feugiat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus.......13 January, 2017 / No comment
Membership NewsPraesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non nisi. Pellentesque in ipsum id orci porta dapibus. Proin eget tortor risus. Cras ultricies ligula sed magna dictum porta. Nulla quis lorem ut libero malesuada feugiat. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus.......13 January, 2017 / No comment
Training NewsJoin us in Myrtle Beach for the annual Fire Rescue Conference. For a list of events, HOT class, speakers and so much more, visit our conference website at firerescuesc.org....13 January, 2017 / No comment
New MembersVestibulum ac diam sit amet quam vehicula elementum sed sit amet dui. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non nisi. Pellentesque in ipsum id orci porta dapibus. Pellentesque in ipsum id orci porta dapibus. Vivamus suscipit tortor eget felis porttitor volutpat. Vestibulum ante......13 January, 2017 / No comment
Design Contest for New South Carolina Fire-Rescue Conference LogoFor 10 years, the Association has used a logo and design concept for our member’s annual conference. This conference is undergoing significant changes, none the less of which is a new location to Columbia in 2018. As part of this change, the Association would like......12 January, 2017 / No comment
Arrangements announced for Chief Gene RushingChief Gene Rushing (Retired) Died Saturday December 17th 2016 at his residence after a long illness. Chief Rushing was a member of Estill Fire Department for over 38 years. He was Fire Chief of Estill and Hampton County Fire Service, a Fire Academy Instructor for......19 December, 2016 / No comment
Arrangements announced for Chief Jeffery WorshamFrom the Berkley County Fire Chiefs Association: The Pimlico and Whitesville Fire Departments regret to announce the passing of Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal Jeffery A. Worsham. Viewing services will be held on Friday, December 16th from 6pm until 8pm at J. Henry Stuhr Funeral......13 December, 2016 / No comment
Volunteering on Pinnacle MountainAs a firefighter on the fire line during the Pinnacle Mountain Fire in upstate South Carolina, I was privileged to witness the amazing coordination and cooperation among local, state, and federal resources but in all my years as a firefighter, the outstanding contribution by so......12 December, 2016 / No comment
2017 Fire Service Improvement ConferenceThe 2017 Fire Service Improvement Conference will be held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, downtown Columbia on January 27-29, 2017. The event is free to all members, but registration is required. Tim Sendelbach, Editor-in-Chief of Firehouse, will be presenting two programs on leadership. Other......06 December, 2016 / No comment
SCSFA Life Safety responds after Oakland Warehouse FireEveryone is watching carefully as the events continue to unfold in Oakland California. Here in the Palmetto State we would be remiss if we didn’t take a moment to consider such an event and whether or not it could possibly happen here. Fire Officials statewide......06 December, 2016 / No comment
Behavioral Health Benefit to First Responders in SCAs of October 1, 2016, the State of South Carolina has provided all Sworn Law Enforcement Officers, all Volunteer and Career Firefighters and Emergency Medical Responders funds to help those suffering from stress related incident based behavioral health issues. The funds are to provide coverage......29 November, 2016 / No comment
Defend Home Fire Sprinklers – DEADLINE Nov. 22View the detailed voting guide here: final-action-voting-guide...10 November, 2016 / No comment
2017 National Volunteer Fire Council Training Summit and Call for PresentersReserve Your Spot at the 2017 NVFC Training Summit Scholarships available for 2-day training event The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is pleased to announce that pre-registration is now open for the 2017 NVFC Training Summit. The NVFC’s signature training conference will take place June......08 November, 2016 / No comment
Greenville Tech Spring Enrollment is OpenGreenville Technical College will be offering another Firefighter/EMT Cadet program this Spring Semester. The cadet program this Fall has been a huge success! This 18 week, Monday through Friday delivery has significantly increased student competency. The consistency has allowed additional training opportunities we were unable to achieve......08 November, 2016 / No comment
Fall Program and Meeting AgendaFall Program and Meeting Agenda South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association S.C. Fire Academy – Denny Auditorium – 10:00 am November 2, 2016 Welcome and Opening Remarks – Skip Hannon Invocation – Rev. Gary Rogers Pledge of Allegiance Program “Historic Fires…Their Impact and Lessons Learned” Robert......31 October, 2016 / No comment
Added Training OpportunitiesThis is an exciting time for firefighters across our country. More mainstream departments and organizations are accepting web-based education as a method to reach firefighters for continuous training and education. Offerings in web based training are growing. In South Carolina, we have been blessed with......24 October, 2016 / No comment
Sporting Clays Tournament to support the FoundationSouth Carolina 811 will be hosting a Sporting Clay Tournament on Thursday, October 27 (postponed from original date because of Hurricane Matthew). The proceeds will be donated to the SC Firefighters’ Foundation. You can view the flyer in PDF ...24 October, 2016 / No comment
Car seat inspections at your fire station?Firefighters in South Carolina have been great leaders in the quest to keep children safe in motor vehicles. Currently, there are 40 fire stations that are car seat inspection stations where certified child passenger safety technicians provide assistance while educating caregivers on proper child restraint......13 October, 2016 / No comment
Fall Quarterly Training and Meeting POSTPONEDDue to the weather activities of Hurricane Matthew and ongoing clean-up, rescues, power outages and rising of rivers, we have decided to POSTPONE our quarterly meeting until Wednesday, November 2, 2016. The Leadership Institute graduation will also be postponed until November 2nd. We are sorry for the delay, but we......10 October, 2016 / No comment
Fire Service Resource Deployment During Hurricane MatthewDuring Hurricane Matthew, or any major fire service event, it is important to remember that deployment to affected areas should be conducted through the South Carolina fire services established Mobilization plan and system. SC Firefighter Mobilization was established to provide assistance in major events and......05 October, 2016 / No comment
Funeral arrangements announced for Katherine IsemanSC Mutual Aid Channel 03 on the Palmetto 800 radio system (SCMA03) has been assigned to Kershaw County. Fire Departments sending apparatus are asked to use this channel for coordination. A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help with the funeral expenses.......23 September, 2016 / No comment
Funeral arrangements announced for former Fire Chief, William “Billy” CampbellWilliam Mimms “Billy” Campbell, 75, of Pelzer, husband of Sandra Thrasher Campbell, passed away September 12, 2016. Billy was a member of Cedar Shoals Baptist Church, a United States Navy Veteran and retired Chief of South Greenville Fire District. In addition to his wife, he......14 September, 2016 / No comment
A brief history of the S.C. State Firefighters’ FoundationAlmost 100 years after the S.C. State Firefighters’ Association was started in 1905, it sponsored the S.C. State Firefighters’ Foundation. The date was July 11, 2001. And the Foundation’s purpose was simple: support firefighters and their families, and better inform the public about the accomplishments......26 August, 2016 / No comment
A Tragedy RetoldOut of the City of Laurens comes the sad account of a story that surely would have been lost to antiquity were it not for the recent resolve of that community’s firefighters. So, let’s go back in time to the beginning. Earliest mention of an......25 August, 2016 / No comment
Turn your training into a degreeStudents who train at the S.C. Fire Academy or the National Fire Academy can use that experience towards a degree from Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College....17 August, 2016 / No comment
Greenville Tech announces new FF/EMT Cadet programThis program is designed for completion within 18 weeks. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:00 until 5:00. Download the flyer in PDF ...09 August, 2016 / No comment
The Future Firefighter?Have you ever considered biometric and physiological monitoring devices in PPE that keep an eye on the well-being of fire fighters as they make their way down a dark and smoky hallway? What about using heads-up displays in your face piece to track progress on a layout......05 August, 2016 / No comment
Rural volunteer fire departments eligible for grants from the Forestry CommissionThe South Carolina Forestry Commission administers the Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants funded through the USDA Forest Service. The program offers 50/50 matching fund grants intended to increase firefighting capacity, especially of those fire departments serving communities in the wildland urban interface. Fire departments serving......04 August, 2016 / No comment
2nd Annual Fallen Fireman 5K Run/WalkThe 2nd Annual Fallen Fireman 5K Run/Walk is open for registration by visiting http://racesonline.com/events/jeff-chavis-5k. The Fallen Fireman 5K is in Memory of Jeff Chavis Oct. 1st, 2016 at 10:00 AM supports the Jeffrey Vaden Chavis House at the Burn Center at Doctors Hospital in Augusta,......26 July, 2016 / No comment
The Mystery Fire Department MedallionIn January of 2015 I shared my research in an article, “Brotherhood Transcends Civil War”, about the benevolence of the New York Firemen’s Association when they purchased a hose carriage for the Independent Hose Co. of Columbia to help in replacing apparatus destroyed by General......25 July, 2016 / No comment
West Virginia fire departments in need of donationsAs many are already aware, the state of West Virginia received severe flooding on June 23-24, 2016. Several fire departments lost their ability to respond and help their communities. Tom Miller, with the West Virginia State Firemen’s Association, has requested help for the fire departments......28 June, 2016 / No comment
Catch the #SCFR16 ExperienceThis year, as part of the 2016 Fire Rescue communications plan, our team will be using multiple media channels to bring you up-to-date information and “the flare” of the conference. We wanted ways for all firefighters and guests to experience the events and happenings throughout......26 May, 2016 / No comment
Announcing SC Fire TrainingAnnouncing SC Fire Training on the web, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram—Four great ways to share training resources and information! In 2012, a development team was formed to look at ways of providing continuing education and training resources to the fire service in South Carolina. Out......19 May, 2016 / No comment
All ICC Members: vote NOW to defend home fire sprinklersAlthough all proposals to eliminate home fire sprinklers from the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) were rejected by the IRC Committee at the April public hearing, an “Assembly Motion” was made for proposal RB129-16. The assembly motion requires a supplemental vote by ICC members, and......17 May, 2016 / No comment
Help Stop Bigger Tractor-Trailers in 2016Special interests in Washington, D.C., have pushed for years for longer and heavier tractor-trailers. While trucks play a vital role for our state’s economy, we as first responders know that bigger and heavier trucks would add new dangers to our highways as well as more......02 May, 2016 / No comment
FireWire Newsletter – 2016 Conference EditionClick on the cover photo to view the FireWire newsletter, 2016 Conference Edition. A copy of this document is being mailed to every member fire department....29 April, 2016 / No comment
Announcing the new Life Safety Education SectionRecognizing that more can be done to prevent fire fatalities in the State of South Carolina, your Firefighters’ Association has taken a historical step forward and has added its first ever section! The Life Safety Education Section stands to serve you and those you protect......28 April, 2016 / No comment
Midlands Gives 2016The S.C. Firefighter Foundation is excited to be participating in Midlands Gives again this year. Last year we raised almost $3,000. Help us double that amount this year by sharing this image and on May 3, use this link to donate: https://midlandsgives.org/npo/sc-state-firefighters-foundation...27 April, 2016 / No comment
Voting for 4th VP at Fire-Rescue 2016For two years now, the Association has used a feature that allowed registered delegates to cast their vote online for the 4th vice-president position on our Executive Committee. Like last year, we will only offer online voting for the 4th vice-president position. That means selected......12 April, 2016 / No comment
Child Passenger Safety class to be held during Fire-RescueThis year, for the first time, a new training is being offered during the Firefighters’ Association Conference in Myrtle Beach. Children’s Trust and DHEC are hosting a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) certification class on June 7-9 and a renewal class for technicians whose certification......11 April, 2016 / No comment
Volunteer and Career Service PathsThe State of South Carolina is rich in resources to train our state firefighters. In an effort to provide a framework for these resources the Training and Education Committee was tasked with developing a training pathway. The vision of the pathway was to develop a......23 March, 2016 / No comment
Announcing two new staff membersThe Association is excited to announce the hiring of two new staff members. Mr. Rick Dunn and Ms. Jenna Pritchett will be joining our team starting April 4, 2016. Rick is no stranger to our state’s fire service. He retired from the Columbia FD as......22 March, 2016 / No comment
Funeral arrangements for fallen firefighter Christopher RayUPDATE Fire Truck Parking Fire Trucks attending the funeral for Christopher Gene Ray of Conway S.C. Fire Department need to report to Beach Church (557 George Bishop Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579) by 9:30 am for apparatus placement. The service will begin at 11:00 am.......22 March, 2016 / No comment
Foundation Announces Director of DevelopmentFeb. 29, 2016 PRESS RELEASE COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Directors of the S.C. Firefighters’ Foundation are pleased to announce the appointment of Brigadier General Phil Leventis (retired) as Director of Development. Leventis, who also retired from the S.C. Senate after 32 years representing Sumter, Clarendon......29 February, 2016 / No comment
Legislative Day 2016Award Recognitions for last year’s flood response are due by this Friday February 26, 2016! Since last year’s flooding event, the Association has learned that many fire departments performed significant water rescue missions. There were numerous missions to preserve life throughout the state and the Association......23 February, 2016 / No comment
“Lest We Forget”…Are They Just Words?Fire deaths and injuries occur every day, and most of these tragedies take place in the home. However, over the years some of the saddest and most dramatic heartbreaks have occurred in other types of occupancies which resulted in significant loss of life. In the......23 February, 2016 / No comment
Peer training class to be held in North CharlestonThe S.C. State Firefighters’ Association’s F.A.S.T. Team will be presenting a Peer Training Class hosted by the North Charleston Fire Department and the Lowcountry Firefighter Support Team on March 28th and 31st, 2016. The class will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will conclude at 5:00......18 February, 2016 / No comment
FireWire Podcast – Episode 20, “Member Benefits” with Dennis Ray and Zorrina Harmon[Audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/scsfa/PodcastMBSummary.mp3] Welcome to the latest edition of the firewire podcast. This is the place to get plugged in to what’s going in your fire and rescue community across the State of South Carolina. This is the official podcast of the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association.......17 February, 2016 / No comment
Society of Fire Service Instructors: Request for NominationsThe mission of the South Carolina Society of Fire Service Instructors is to encourage safety; promote quality and professionalism; help develop, deliver, and maintain effective fire service training in the State of South Carolina. The SCSFSI will recognize excellence in instruction at the June 2016......17 February, 2016 / No comment
Update on P25 from Palmetto 800February 8, 2016 Palmetto 800 Users, On November 30, 2015 the State of South Carolina signed a new contract with Motorola Solutions extending the Palmetto 800 system contract until June 30, 2023. The new contract includes updating the Palmetto 800’s almost twenty year old technology......10 February, 2016 / No comment
Flood recognition awardsSince last year’s flooding event, the Association has learned that many fire departments performed significant water rescue missions. There were numerous missions to preserve life throughout the state and the Association wants to recognize first responders in front of our elected officials at a ceremony......10 February, 2016 / No comment
The Snowstorm of 1973February 9th marks the 43rd anniversary of the “Snowstorm of the Century” in South Carolina. Many of our readers were not even born then, and the significance of that snow event has been lost but only to linger in the memories of those who experienced......08 February, 2016 / No comment
Spartanburg Fire Chiefs give $1,000 and challenge others to do the sameI attended the Spartanburg County Fire Chiefs meeting last night in Lyman, S.C. During my talk, I mentioned the recent Foundation flood relief campaign and shared some stories of what an impact that made across our state. After I sat down, a motion was made......05 February, 2016 / No comment
Three bills filled for volunteer incentivesRepresentative Chip Huggins from Lexington District 85 has filled three bills in the House that, if passed, will allow volunteer firefighters to get free DNR hunting licenses, free entrance into the State Museum and free entrance into any State Park. This is a great way for......04 February, 2016 / No comment
Country Came to ColumbiaThe tension generated between life in rural/country small town settings and life within big cities has long been a theme of literature and was often noted among agents of romanticism, rationalism, and classicism. Delivered in stage plays and poetry by literary greats such as Shakespeare,......27 January, 2016 / No comment
Answering the Call: The Thousand-Year FloodFor days prior to October 1, 2015, forecasters predicted an unusual weather phenomenon was taking shape over the United States that likely would combine with several systems, as well as a plume of tropical moisture from Hurricane Joaquin, that would train heavy amounts of rain......21 December, 2015 / No comment
“The Call” by Bucky MockFire department physicals are important, and I hope your department is one of the many in South Carolina that offers physicals for their firefighters. Clarendon County Fire Department recently had our annual physicals with North Greenville Fitness. Hopefully our results will be favorable, and we......19 December, 2015 / No comment
WLTX – First Responders Get Flood Help Sumter County, SC (WLTX) – Several first responders were flood victims themselves, but in the time of trouble instead of worrying about their situation, they helped others. That’s why the South Carolina Firefighters’ Foundation has raised $17,500 for 20 South Carolina firefighters who suffered loss......17 December, 2015 / No comment
Technical Rescuer PilotThe S.C. Fire Academy is seeking students for the new Technical Rescuer (3310) pilot on January 20-22, 2016 at the Columbia campus. This revised program, when combined with the Introduction to Technical Rescue (3309) provides the students with the foundation to technical rescue and meets......11 December, 2015 / No comment
NVFC launches “Make Me a Firefighter” CampaignThe S.C. State Firefighters’ Association, as a state member of the NVFC, is pleased to announce, promote, and lend our support to the NVFC’s volunteer recruitment campaign, “Make Me A Firefighter.” South Carolina fire departments needing assistance in their recruiting efforts are encouraged to visit......01 December, 2015 / No comment
Help the NFPA help youHELP US HELP YOU! Please ask the fire chief(s) or designees within your jurisdiction to complete the U.S. Fire Service Needs Assessment survey as soon as possible, and ensure that the U.S. Congress and USFA know where to allocate AFG funding among U.S. fire departments.......19 November, 2015 / No comment
New online course: Introduction to Technical RescueS.C. Fire Service, Today, the S.C. Fire Academy is making available online its Introduction to Technical Rescue (3309) course. This certificate course awards two hours of transcript credit and introduces the emergency responder to technical rescue. For Introduction to Technical Rescue (3309) enrollment information, click......17 November, 2015 / 2 Comments
Application period open at the NFAFolks, The application period for the second semester of National Fire Academy resident classes opened October 15. The application period closes December 15. The second semester includes those classes scheduled from April 1 – September 30, 2016. December 15th is also the closing date for......17 November, 2015 / No comment
Boot drive to support firefighters effected by the floodPlease help us spread the word! The Greenville County Fire Chiefs Association is conducting a boot drive on November 23 to support firefighters effected by the recent flooding. Donations collected that day will be given to the S.C. Firefighter Foundation....13 November, 2015 / No comment
Two RFPs: PPE and PhysicalsThese Requests For Proposal (RFP) by the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association invites written proposals from qualified vendors to provide Fitness for Duty Physicals and Personal Protective Equipment for individuals of member departments of the Association involved in a program of volunteer firefighter recruitment resulting......12 November, 2015 / No comment
Funeral details announced for Mr. Edward JohnsPlease join us in remembering the husband of our F.A.S.T. Coordinator Ms. Patti Johns. Our continued thoughts and prayers are with the family. ~ Joe Palmer From the Bullock Funeral Home Website: Obituary Edward Charles Johns, Jr., age 57, beloved husband of 20 years to......05 November, 2015 / No comment
Wills for HeroesAt Nelson Mullins and K&L Gates we appreciate the extraordinary sacrifices made by firefighters, police, and emergency medical technicians every day. In an effort to show our appreciation for their efforts and sacrifices, we offer the Wills for Heroes Program. The program offers first response......23 October, 2015 / No comment
Foundation Request #SCFloodThank you for the continued support from around the state in response to the catastrophic flooding experienced over the last several days. Many of you have helped in so many ways, and we can’t say thank you enough. From the S.C. Firefighter Foundation We have been made aware of......09 October, 2015 / No comment
Office closed today but call if you need us!Our office is CLOSED today, Monday, October 5 due to the severe weather and flood conditions in Columbia and surrounding areas. If you need to speak with a staff member, please call our direct extensions, and leave a voicemail. Voicemails left on our office phone......05 October, 2015 / No comment
Building BridgesI would like to take a moment to thank our Past President Will Vaigneur for his leadership during the past year and for another great conference. Through his efforts, I know that his theme of “Fully-Involved Membership” will resonate for many years to come. Also,......28 September, 2015 / No comment
Tunnel to Towers Run happening September 18For full event details and to register, go to their website: https://www.crowdrise.com/T2TSouthCarolina ...09 September, 2015 / No comment
Sounding The Alarm…The Old Fashion WayVery recently I stumbled across a bit of South Carolina fire service history that captivated my attention which caused me to pursue additional research into some of the early methods of alerting our ancestors to the alarm of fire. We have all read over the......03 September, 2015 / No comment
Travel Deals for FirefightersTwo Sisters Travel is back and sharing more exclusive discounts for you and your family on Royal Caribbean, Sandals & Beaches Resorts, and other top vacation destinations. And when you book a vacation with Two Sisters Travel you’ll get more for your money with complimentary......01 September, 2015 / No comment
Provident First Responder Assistance ProgramWatch as Provident describes our new First Responder Assistance Program (FRAP) [youtube]https://youtu.be/hokBn6IjIdY[/youtube]...27 August, 2015 / No comment
“No Warning”First responders must face the unknown every day. They never get warnings of what they’ll face. Share your support with #nowarningforptsd #ptsd [youtube]https://youtu.be/GCXWuBYTwI0[/youtube]...21 August, 2015 / No comment
Emerging Leaders One-Day Regional SeminarsInstructor: Michael P. Dallessandro Target Audience: Upcoming officers and leaders of all volunteer or small combination fire departments in the age bracket of 18-28. However, all fire service members are welcome to attend. Course Description: The American fire service has done an exceptional job of......07 August, 2015 / No comment
Association 1% Retirement Plan Webinar is August 11We hope you will join us for a discussion of the 1% retirement plan portfolio on Tuesday, August 11 at 1:00 pm. The Abacus team will make a 20 minute presentation on the investments in the retirement portfolio and our current economic outlook. We will......05 August, 2015 / No comment
S.C. Fire Academy releases PhotoVoltaic 101The South Carolina Fire Academy’s online learning community is pleased to announce the availability of the new course, PhotoVoltaic (PV) 101. Because of recent legislation, South Carolina will see an increase in Photovoltaic and solar energy systems. This 30-minute online class will assist the responding......03 August, 2015 / No comment
Arrangements for Firefighter Tyron Weston (LODD, Columbia FD)Arrangements for FF Tyron Weston are as follows: · Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2015 at Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home, 2930 Colonial Drive from 6:00pm until 8:00pm · Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Friday July 31, 2015 at Bibleway Church......30 July, 2015 / No comment
Recruitment and Retention in the “Ole Days”Since becoming the “unofficial” historian of the Firefighters’ Association last April, I have had the opportunity to learn and record details of our past that are simply inspiring. The history of our state’s fire service is abounding in stories of hardship and struggle, courage and......28 July, 2015 / No comment
A Tribute To Former Association Chaplain, Henry WrightOn June 27th family and friends gathered in Greer to honor the memory of Rev. Henry Wright, former Chaplain of our Association, who passed away on Sunday, June 14th. Henry Wright was born May 13, 1927, in the small Town of Alligator, North Carolina. During......06 July, 2015 / No comment
West Columbia Reports Sprinkler SaveThank you Chief Wyatt Coleman for sharing this story with us. We received a call Tuesday, June 23 at 16:40 from Lexington County dispatch stating we had a water flow alarm going off at Abberly Village Apartments. The caller said he saw fire outside on......24 June, 2015 / No comment
Professional Development OpportunityAs a Chief Officer I’m always on the lookout for professional development opportunities for members of my department and for myself. Over the years I have been very fortunate to send members to and to attend numerous classes, seminars, conferences, and programs to enhance our......24 June, 2015 / No comment
Bucket Brigade Grants from Georgia PacificFrom our friends at the National Volunteer Fire Council: The 2015 Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade grant application period is open for a few more weeks, and we would appreciate your help in making sure eligible departments in South Carolina know about the program. These are no-match......23 June, 2015 / No comment
LIVE Schedule for Fire-RescueWe are excited to offer a LIVE web stream of all the main events during Fire-Rescue. Please review the schedule below and tune in at scfirefighters.org/live. LIVE Schedule for the 2017 Annual Fire-Rescue Conference: Thursday, June 15 9:00-11:00 Opening Ceremonies 1:00-2:00 Business sessions Friday, June......08 June, 2015 / No comment
Conference delegate voting instructionsConference Delegates: Please review the diagram below for instructions on how to vote online for 4th vice-president (more information on the candidates HERE). Also, please review the proposed by-laws changes before you come to the conference. You can read the full text HERE....01 June, 2015 / No comment
Tuition assistance for EMT trainingThe South Carolina Office of Rural Health will be awarding tuition assistance to individuals in rural counties who are receiving instruction in Emergency Medical Technology in June 2015. Applicants are reviewed competitively and awards will be made on the thoroughness of the application, applicants location in......28 May, 2015 / No comment
Celebrating 110 years of serviceSaturday, May 30th, will mark an important day in the history of South Carolina’s fire service. On this day in 1905, a group of visionaries came together to organize and frame the foundation of this Association. Then Charleston’s Assistant Chief Louis Behrens called a meeting......27 May, 2015 / No comment
Introducing Josh DunnJosh Dunn is joining the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association as a summer intern. Josh’s primary focus will be assisting the SCSFA’s Recruitment and Retention efforts and other tasks benefiting our association and its members. Josh will be contacting department Chiefs (or designees) who completed......18 May, 2015 / No comment
The Cleveland School Fire of 1923On May 17, 1923, seventy-seven children and adults died in a tragic fire which consumed the Cleveland School located just off I-20 near Camden at Exit 101 across from the Equine Park. As a result of this fire and the large loss of life, public......12 May, 2015 / No comment
Two important documents: FireWire Conference Edition and SCSFA Business PlanWe have provided for download, two important documents offered by the Association: FireWire Conference Edition: in this edition, you will find all the important information for the annual conference including by-laws changes along with information on the two candidates running for 4th vice-president. SCSFA Business......08 May, 2015 / No comment
Support the S.C. Firefighter Foundation on May 5The S.C. Firefighter Foundation is excited to be participating in the 2015 Midlands Gives event happening on May 5. This 24-hour period of online giving is designed to create awareness of local non-profits, and to generate new, online gifts by using the power of social......27 April, 2015 / No comment
Funeral arrangements for Jim BowieThe funeral services for Mr. Jim Bowie will be held at 1:30 PM on Sunday, April 26, 2015 at the following location: Chapin Presbyterian Church 600 Old Lexington Hwy Chapin, S.C. 29036 http://chapinpres.org/ The family is requesting fire service personnel wear class A uniforms. Further......24 April, 2015 / No comment
Remembering the West, TX Fertilizer ExplosionLast Friday marked the two year anniversary of the fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas that killed ten firefighters and three EMS responders. I had the opportunity today to sit in on a panel discussion of the events that lead up to that tragedy and......23 April, 2015 / No comment
National Volunteer WeekDuring this National Volunteer Week 2015, I extend my humblest gratitude to the men and women of our state’s volunteer fire and emergency services who on a daily basis, without fanfare or applause, meet the needs of the ill and injured as well as those......17 April, 2015 / No comment
Fire and Life Safety Education Conference, April 26 – May 1From our friends at the Fire and Life Safety Education Association: We have a diverse agenda with a terrific combination of well-know national speakers and other fire and life safety speakers from the southeast. The registration and hotel reservations must be made by Friday, April......08 April, 2015 / No comment
Voting at Fire Rescue 2015Last year, the Association implemented a new feature that allowed registered delegates to cast their vote online for the 4th vice-president position on our Executive Committee. The response was great and the majority of delegates voted by this new method. We did allow delegates without......07 April, 2015 / No comment
Become a HELP Department for Recruiting and RetainingIn today’s socio-economic dynamic with our nation’s financial downturn impacting households, communities are reeling with the loss of members from their local volunteer fire department. In homes where multiple wage earners are now often holding more than one job, fire departments are competing for familial......29 March, 2015 / No comment
New York’s Triangle Shirtwaist Fire of 1911….It’s Impact For South CarolinaOne Hundred and four years ago, on March 25, 1911, around 4:40 in the afternoon a fire broke out on the eighth floor of the 10-story Asch Building in Manhattan. Several commercial occupancies were housed in the building that included the Triangle Shirtwaist Company’s factory,......25 March, 2015 / No comment
SC FAST Announces Grand Strand Region and team of coordinatorsAs the SC Firefighter Assistance and Support Team grows, we are fortunate to continually add exceptional individuals who ensure this program’s success. It is with great pride that I announce Tim Walters and Matthew Bernacchi, both serving in the City of Myrtle Beach Fire Department,......17 March, 2015 / No comment
Midway Fire Rescue to receive international Heart Safe Community AwardMarch 10, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GEORGETOWN COUNTY — Midway Fire Rescue was announced on March 9 as a recipient of this year’s Heart Safe Community Award, presented by the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ EMS section. The award is presented to only two communities......16 March, 2015 / No comment
Guest post: A good shepherd should always smell like the sheep….by: Rev. Doug Farmer Chaplain, Lowcountry Firefighter Support Team I am often asked by my fellow clergy who serve in parish ministry what public service chaplaincy involves. Working with law enforcement agencies invariably entails calls to unexpected death scenes; homicide, suicide, traffic fatalities, and other......03 March, 2015 / No comment
S.C. Fire Academy Earns ProBoard AccreditationThe South Carolina Fire Academy recently achieved accreditation through the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (ProBoard), which provides further acknowledgement of the quality instruction and leadership being provided to the fire service. Entities achieving accreditation through ProBoard are recognized as having met the......23 February, 2015 / 2 Comments