Jamie Helms named Executive Director

February 1, 2024

The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association announces Jamie Helms as Executive Director effective February 1, 2024. The Executive Committee approved the promotion during a meeting on Tuesday, January 30, 2024.

“On behalf of the Executive Committee, I am excited to announce that Deputy Director Jamie Helms has been promoted to the position of Executive Director of the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association,” President Malcolm Burns said of Helms. “Because of his hard work as Deputy Director in improving the internal operations of the Association, his decades of experience in the fire service, in-depth knowledge of Legislative processes, and attention to detail, Jamie quickly distinguished himself as being the best person to lead the Association into the future as our Executive Director.”

“Please join me in congratulating Jamie on his promotion to Executive Director,” concluded President Burns.

Helms joined the Association in January 2023 as Deputy Director. Prior, he volunteered on various committees and served as 2^nd Vice President. A graduate of Irmo High School, Helms stayed in the area after graduation and joined the Columbia Fire Department in 1988 where he worked as Assistant Chief prior to his departure. Helms is a graduate of Midlands Technical College Advanced Leadership, Brave Fire Leader Academy, and the Association’s Leadership Institute. He is married and a father of three.

“I am extremely excited about this promotion and look forward, to what I envision, is a great future for the Association and Chief Helms at its head,” Joe Palmer said. “I have been impressed with Jamie and his incredible visionary ability and work ethic, and I know that will translate into continued superior membership service for our 17,000 firefighters.”

While he may be retiring, expect to see Joe’s familiar face at Association events and Fire-Rescue. Joe will continue to offer his knowledge and experience as the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association enters a new era under Executive Director Helms.  

“I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to serve the South Carolina fire service as Executive Director of the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association,” Helms said.

“On behalf of the membership, I extend an enormous ‘thank you’ to Joe Palmer for his inspirational leadership and guidance. His legacy on the fire service both here at home in South Carolina and across the country is beyond what words can capture. We congratulate him on his retirement,” Helms concluded.