The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association has awarded one local public servant with one of its highest honors.
Rep. Robert “Bobby” Ridgeway III was inducted March 16 into the Society of the Maltese Cross.
“As a symbol associated with fire more than 500 years, the Maltese cross brings to mind in every firefighter the traditions and values sacred and true to service to our fellow man,” association Executive Director Joe H. Palmer said. “Firefighters across South Carolina and the world proudly display the Maltese cross on their uniforms to remember and to signify servants of similar purpose.”
Palmer said the points of the Maltese cross stand for gallantry, sympathy, tact, observation, explicitness, dexterity, loyalty and perseverance.
“The establishment of the Maltese cross by the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association seeks to recognize those individuals of the South Carolina General Assembly that share in those values and have supported South Carolina firefighters in meeting those goals,” Palmer said. “Each year, the association will induct a class of legislators who represent what is best in the qualities of courage, compassion and loyalty to duty.”
The Society of the Maltese Cross, Palmer noted, is a fellowship of service and is a commemoration of thanks on behalf of the men and women of the Fire Service of the great State of South Carolina.
Ridgeway, association President Tommy Norris said, was chosen as an inductee in 2016 for his long time service to first responders and for his diligent efforts in the General Assembly to represent firefighters in several efforts.
“Rep. Ridgeway’s service to Clarendon County and to the state shows a long standing tradition and his commitment now to helping public safety professionals in Columbia is proven each year,” Norris said.
Former Clarendon Fire Chief and association special projects coordinator Carter Jones agreed.
“Dr. Ridgeway has always supported the emergency services in Clarendon County,” he said. “He is a tireless advocate for all emergency services and always has been. I believe it’s very appropriate that Bobby is being recognized for his daily efforts here at home and his support of the fire service in South Carolina.”
Ridgeway has served in the House District 64 seat for Clarendon County and a small part of Sumter County since 2013.
