Congrats, Chief Christmas

January 15, 2024

Retired Sumter Fire Department Assistant Chief Brian Christmas resigned as 2nd Vice President of the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association effective January 15, 2024. It was announced earlier this month that Christmas is joining the Youngsville Fire Department in North Carolina as fire chief.

Chief Christmas has served the state’s fire service for many years as an active member of the Association. He served as Chair and member of the Bylaws Committee and is a past member of the Members Benefits Committee. In addition, Chief Christmas is Past President and Board Member of the South Carolina Chapter of the International Association of Fire Arson Investigators.

“I hope that the relationships that I have made will be a lifetime, even though I am moving away,” Chief Christmas said about his time in Sumter and his tenure on the Executive Committee. “There were so many great people that I had the pleasure to meet and got a better understanding of what the needs were, whether it was a small volunteer fire department or a large paid fire department.”

“Chief Christmas’ departure is bittersweet,” said Association Deputy Director Jamie Helms. “While we will miss Chief Christmas’ contributions to the Association and his drive to provide South Carolina firefighters with excellence, we are also excited for him and his family in this new chapter.”

“I would like to thank the members, staff, and Executive Committee of the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association for supporting me over the years and want to let them know that I love and care for each of them and even though I will be moving to another state, I look forward to seeing each of you at trainings and conferences in the future,” said Chief Christmas about his departure.

Note for Voting Members

The Association’s Constitution and Bylaws, Article 3 Section 3, states, “the President shall make a recommendation for appointment to the Executive Committee for approval to serve the remainder of the un-expired term.”

In accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws, President Malcolm Burns recommended Dorchester County Fire Rescue Chief Tres Atkinson for interim 2nd Vice President and the recommendation was approved by the Executive Committee during its meeting on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Chief Atkinson will serve as 2VP until the election concludes during Fire-Rescue 2024.

At this time, three candidates are campaigning to be elected to the Executive Committee as 4th Vice President. The candidate who receives the highest number of votes will be elected 3rd Vice President; the second highest, 4th Vice President.