Important note for Voting Members

January 16, 2024

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

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. Meet the candidates.