Fire Officer Academy 24-01 award winners announced

March 18, 2024

The Fire Officer Academy: The Company Officer class 24-01 was held March 2-8, 2024. Acceptance into the program is extremely competitive; applicants go through two rounds of the selection process before the roster is finalized. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work to be selected to attend.

After the roster is finalized and students are on campus at the South Carolina Fire Academy, the intangible magic of the FOA begins to weave its way through the class. It is something better experienced than explained.

As the program has grown, it has become increasingly important to the instructor cadre and alumni to recognize students who set themselves apart during the week. Two awards are given at Fire Officer Academy graduation, the David Lee Crenshaw “Big Dummy” Leadership Award and the James Michael Muller “The J” Award for Excellence.

David Crenshaw was Pendleton Fire Chief for over two decades and served the people of Anderson County in a number of ways, including time as Anderson County Sheriff, Magistrate Judge, and member of Pendleton City Council. Chief Crenshaw died in the line of duty on January 9, 2012.

Clemson University Fire and EMS Captain Ben Crenshaw is a graduate of FOA 22-01, the first-ever class of the Fire Officer Academy, and the son of Chief Crenshaw. The last morning of FOA PT ends at the Firefighter Memorial Plaza where Capt. Crenshaw tells the story of his father’s legacy. This award is presented to a student of the Fire Officer Academy selected by their peers for displaying exemplary skill, attitude, and leadership throughout the class.

The FOA 24-01 David Lee Crenshaw “Big Dummy” Leadership Award recipient is Captain Jeremy King, South Greenville Fire-Rescue.

“Honestly, I was very shocked that I was chosen for the award,” Captain King admits. “Throughout my career, my mentors have always pushed for a culture of caring for their people and doing what needs to be done regardless of rank. I feel like the job itself brings enough stress, so anything that can lighten the mood or help take something off of others is worth doing and doing right.”

His love for the job is undeniable and his ‘happy to be here’ attitude is contagious. If you know Captain King, you’ve probably shared a laugh or two together.

“I know that I act super goofy sometimes, but I just find pleasure in what I am privileged to do for a career,” Captain King continues, “For me to receive this award it truly means a lot to me. It also helps validate that I might actually be doing a decent job.”

When asked what advice he has for those interested in attending the Fire Officer Academy, Captain King offered, “Make sure that you are willing to be challenged physically and mentally. Bring an open mind and be receptive to new ideas and criticism, as this will only make you better. The criticism I mention is not a negative type but one that fosters deeper reflection and evaluation of how you truly perform. Come to this program if you are truly a person who wants to serve others.”

Irmo Fire District firefighter James Michael “J” Muller was a graduate of Fire Officer Academy 23-01 held the first week in March 2023. Seventy-seven short days after graduating from the FOA, J died in the line of duty on May 26, 2023.

It was evident from the moment you met J that he was 100% into the job and he loved it with all his heart. His impact on the FOA is indescribable. The James Michael Muller “The J” Award for Excellence was established during the FOA 23-02 program and presented to Summerville Fire-Rescue Battalion Chief of Training Chris Tennyson. This award is given to the student of the FOA for being the most proficient and professional candidate of the class. The award recipient is selected by the instructor cadre and given to the student who shows exceptional skill, consistent attitude, and overall proficiency throughout the week.

The recipient of the FOA 24-01 James Michael Muller “The J” Award for Excellence is Lieutenant Ethan Tucker, Parker Fire District.

“Honestly, getting this award meant so much to me,” Lieutenant Tucker admits, “Knowing J personally and how amazing he was made it so special for me, and then to receive the award from Dom Boyce made it that much more special.”

The FOA cadre selects the student who receives the J Award. A teacher himself, Lieutenant Tucker says it is extremely meaningful to be selected by the cadre.

“Knowing a lot of the cadre and looking up to a lot of them as mentors made it very special for me to know I stood out,” he recalls.

“Best advice I can give is to come in open minded and ready to work,” Lieutenant Tucker offered about the FOA. “The program will challenge you, but you will leave a better firefighter and a better person.”

Applications for the Fall offering of the Fire Officer Academy: The Company Officer, September 29-October 4, open June 1.