South Carolina firefighters gather for largest in-state training

June 21, 2024

Over 5,000 South Carolina firefighters gathered in Myrtle Beach last week for the largest in-state training during the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association’s annual Fire-Rescue Conference.

The flagship event of the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, Fire-Rescue Conference has been a staple in the fire service for 119 years. Nearly 50 courses covering a wide range of topics were instructed over the 4-day training conference.

President Randy Arant, Battalion Chief at Irmo Fire District, was sworn in as the 78^th President of the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association at the Transfer of Command on Saturday, June 15. Voting Members elected Horry County Fire-Rescue Deputy Chief Mike Norket as 3^rd Vice President and St. John’s Fire District Deputy Chief Kevin Henson as 4^th Vice President.

“It is an absolute honor and privilege to be standing before each of you this evening and taking the oath as the 78th President of the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association,” President Arant remarked. In his speech, President Arant thanked immediate Past President Malcolm Burns, Irmo Fire District, Irmo Fire Chief Mike Sonefeld, Executive Committee members, the membership, and Association leadership for their support during his ascension through Vice Presidencies.

“One of the greatest firefighters to ever work for Irmo Fire District once said, ‘It’s an oath. It’s a commitment. So live it,’” President Arant stated, referencing the words of the late Irmo Firefighter James “J” Michael Muller who died in the line of duty on May 26, 2023.

Before concluding Fire-Rescue, President Arant congratulated the 2024 award winners.

Award recipients are below:

• James B. Murphy Firefighter of the Year – retired Chief John Bowers, Camden Fire Department
• Jeffrey Vaden Chavis Medal of Valor Award – Firefighter Nathan Ellis, Myrtle Beach Fire Department
• Meritorious Action Award – Lieutenant Anthony Ragsdale, Firefighter Tristen Lowe, and Firefighter Matthew Stallings, Anderson City Fire Department
• Meritorious Action Award – Lieutenant Justin Blankenship, Jasper County Fire-Rescue
• Meritorious Action Award – Captain Josh Mills and Lieutenant Tanner Quattlebaum, Saluda County Fire Service
• Clyde B. Spillers Educator of the Year Award – Nathan “Junior” Ellis, Grassy Pond Fire Department
• Hall of Fame – Richard Moultrie, Greenville City Fire Department
• Hall of Fame – James "J" Michael Muller, Irmo Fire District
• Hall of Fame – Kevin D. Simmons, Aiken Public Safety
• Hall of Fame – Kenneth “Kenny” Sott, Summerville Fire Department
• Hall of Fame – Stanford L. Wilson, Calhoun Falls
• Hall of Fame – Richard “Tim” Cobb, Piedmont Park
• Hall of Fame – David M. Griffin, North Augusta Public Safety
• Hall of Fame – Thomas Webb, Burton Fire District
• Hall of Fame – Josh Holzheimer, Greer Fire Department

Read award descriptions.