Press Release: Building Purchase

September 22, 2025

We are proud to share that we have purchased a larger building still within the same office park in Columbia. This existing facility in our state’s capital city will allow the Association to continue expanding services for our members, provide the space needed to support the future growth of South Carolina’s fire service, and enhance our efforts to preserve and showcase the rich history of the fire service through the South Carolina Fire Heritage Center.

Renovation plans for the building which will house the Heritage Center and Association office are underway, and the first phase will allow our staff to move into the facility in the near future. Beyond this first step, we are excited to share that future fundraising efforts will help us renovate additional portions of the building to include:

• Educational Space – A much-needed resource to bring in additional educational opportunities and host programs that advance the profession.
• Collaboration Areas – Committee meeting rooms, partner association space, and flexible educational areas to foster teamwork and growth.
• History Center – A dedicated space to honor and preserve our rich fire service history, including the display of donated fire apparatus and equipment.

Twenty years ago, the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association took an important step forward when we purchased our first building in Columbia. That space became more than just an office; it became the central hub of your Association, a place where staff has worked daily to serve our 17,000+ members, and where the foundation for much of our progress was laid.

As we move into this exciting new chapter, the Executive Committee and staff invite you to join us in assisting with the fundraising efforts. Your support by connecting us with potential donors, sharing the vision of this facility with your peers, or providing ideas is key to continuing to build on our history while preparing for the needs of the generations ahead. Expect more information on how you can get involved in the coming months.

On behalf of the Executive Committee, we are incredibly thankful for the trust you’ve placed in this Association and the passion you bring to the fire service. This new building is not just an investment in office space—it is an investment in collaboration, education, history, and the forward progression of our membership and the fire service across our state.

Stay Safe,
Pierce Womack, President
South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association