Fire Officer Academy 25-01 award winners announced

April 2, 2025

The Fire Officer Academy: The Company Officer class 25-01 was held March 2-7, 2025. 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 Captain 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 25-01 David Lee Crenshaw “Big Dummy” Leadership Award recipient is Columbia Richland Fire Department Engineer Javier Colón.

“When I started the process for FOA 25-01, my goal was to earn the opportunity to be a part of something our fire service so desperately needs and to bring it back to those I serve. To be chosen by my peers for the David Lee Crenshaw ‘Big Dummy’ Leadership award is the greatest achievement I have received in my career,” Engineer Colón admits. “I prayed for the opportunity to serve others and God has blessed me with a family and career that afforded me just that.”

When asked what advice he has for those interested in attending the Fire Officer Academy, Engineer Colón offered, “Look deep inside, ask yourself ‘why’ then sit with yourself quietly listening. When you hear that why, confirm it and that will get you through the long application process, the trainings, the essays, the PT and any reason to quit that may enter your mind. Comfort is a slow death; seek to be uncomfortable. That’s where growth happens!”

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 percent 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 embodies J’s spirit and shows exceptional skill, consistent attitude, and overall proficiency throughout the week.

The recipient of the FOA 25-01 James Michael Muller “The J” Award for Excellence is Pelham Batesville Fire Department Lieutenant Jason Worthy.

“J was more than just a friend, he was a brother in the fire service,” Lieutenant Worthy says of his relationship with J. “From the moment we met, we connected on a level that felt rare. We shared not just goals, but a deep passion for our mission, often exchanging workouts and chatting about the latest classes we had taken… To be recognized with an award that carries my friend’s name felt surreal, and I am taken aback by the honor.”

“I am deeply grateful to the instructor cadre for selecting me for this award. It serves as a reminder of the standard that J upheld and a responsibility I am eager to carry forward,” he states.

“I wholeheartedly encourage you to take that step,” Lieutenant Worthy offered about the FOA. “You won’t be disappointed. The growth you’ll experience, both personally and professionally, is invaluable. You’ll find yourself surrounded by fellow firefighters, each with their own stories and aspirations, all united in the same noble pursuit.”

Lieutenant Worthy continues, “Together, this program is poised to change the face of the fire service in South Carolina, and I’m honored to be a part of it. Thank you, J, for your friendship and guidance. I promise to honor your legacy by striving to maintain the standard that you so passionately represented.”

Applications for FOA 25-02, September 28-October 3, open June 1, 2025.