Year in Review: How your Association worked for you in 2025

December 31, 2025

2025 was a year of steady work, real challenges, and meaningful progress for the South Carolina fire service. Our members continued to adapt, lead, and raise the standard across the state. Throughout the year, the Association brought firefighters together for training and events, stood alongside families in difficult times, and focused on improving the support we provide to you and those who matter most.

Let’s take a look back at the year behind us.

January

• Elevated firefighter cancer awareness through education and national initiatives in recognition of Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month.
• Helped members understand changes to federal benefits (Social Security Fairness Act) impacting retired firefighters and surviving families.
• Opened registration and planning cycles for major Foundation and Association events.
• Trained with over 250 South Carolina firefighters at Fire Service Improvement Conference.

February

• Honored fallen firefighters and supported families at the Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
• Continued behind-the-scenes coordination with leadership partners and statewide organizations.
• Foundation scholarship applications opened.
• Parts of Fire-Rescue were announced, including the Beach Bash and Explorer/Junior Competition. Dan Shaw was announced as the keynote speaker.

March

• Shared housing and financial assistance opportunities for firefighters and their families.
• Elevated behavioral health conversations ahead of Safety Stand Down planning.
• Graduated 25 company officers from the Fire Officer Academy 25-01.
• Graduated 12 people from Leadership Institute.

April

• Continued planning and logistics for spring and summer training, events, and activities.
• Maintained advocacy monitoring and partner coordination.
• Announced second keynote for Fire-Rescue, Dr. Sara Jahnke.
• Released Fire-Rescue Banquet and Transfer of Command tickets for sale.
• Coordinated with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans to provide members a discount on tickets the week of Fire-Rescue.

May

• Promoted participation in the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer.
• Supported national training access with the reopening of federal campuses.
• Reinforced firefighter safety and wellness.
• Debuted the Fire-Rescue t-shirt and coin design.
• Opened voting period on May 30.

June

• Executed major in-person events and training opportunities.
• Brought firefighters together from across the state for education, networking, and peer support.
• Advanced Foundation fundraising and outreach efforts.
• Opened applications for Fire Officer Academy 25-02 and Leadership Institute.

July

• Spotlighted local Fire-Rescue speakers.
• Maintained grant sharing and administrative support for departments.
• Partnered with Mattress Firm to provide discounts to departments and individuals.

August

• Highlighted departments receiving safety equipment and funding.
• Continued promoting grant opportunities and resource awareness.
• Shared a sleep study from Science to the Station, an initiative led by Fire-Rescue keynote Dr. Jahnke.

September

• Announced a major Association milestone with the purchase of a new facility to expand services, training, and heritage preservation.
• Supported the launch of advanced peer support and post-incident resources.
• Strengthened the Association’s long-term capacity to serve members.
• Released the class schedule for Fire Service Improvement Conference 2026.
• Announced dates for the Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Legislative Day.

October

• Supported research initiatives focused on firefighter safety.
• Continued leadership and professional development efforts.
• Maintained advocacy awareness during the lead-up to legislative planning season.
• Graduated 25 company officers from the Fire Officer Academy 25-02. Opened applications for FOA 26-01.
• Opened member-only registration for FSIC.
• Opened Phase 1 of Fire-Rescue exhibit hall registration.
• Promoted Beaufort County Chief’s Association’s challenge for other associations to donate to the South Carolina Fire Heritage Center.

November

• Promoted advanced training opportunities bringing national-level education to South Carolina.
• Prepared for year-end reporting, budgeting, and strategic planning.
• Hosted first-ever Post Critical Incident Seminar for fire/EMS/dispatch.
• Continued member engagement ahead of the holiday season.
• Opened non-member registration for FSIC.
• Opened Phase 2 of Fire-Rescue exhibit hall registration.
• Prompted Greenville County Chief’s Association’s response to Beaufort Chief’s challenge.
• Opened registration for Foundation Golf Tournament.

December

• Led or supported charitable giving efforts benefiting firefighters and their families.
• Recognized achievements and milestones across the state.
• Closed out the year with planning already underway for 2026.

We visited open houses, attended retirement celebrations, push-in ceremonies, chief’s meetings, and regional meetings. We fellowshipped with you, shared in your sorrows, and celebrated with you in your accomplishments. We trained with you, broke bread with you, and watched as you changed the South Carolina fire service.

Thank you for allowing us to serve you. Blessings and best wishes for 2026.