In the aftermath of yesterday’s major incident on I-95, we have spent a lot of time reflecting on something that deserves to be recognized — the incredible people and community that surrounded us throughout the response.
Incidents like this are never handled by one department, one agency, or one group of people. They are handled by a community of people who step up, work together, and do whatever is needed to take care of others. And that is exactly what happened.
We want to begin by thanking our Clarendon County dispatchers. While much of the work on an emergency scene is visible, so much happens behind the scenes. Our dispatchers managed an enormous amount of radio traffic, coordinated resources, relayed critical information, and helped keep responders connected throughout an extremely complex response. Their professionalism, composure, and dedication were outstanding, and we are incredibly thankful for all of them.
We are also extremely grateful to our partners at the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office. The relationship between our agencies is built on trust, teamwork, and a shared commitment to the people we serve. Yesterday was another example of that partnership in action. When our community needed us, our personnel worked side by side with one goal — take care of people.
We are thankful for the Clarendon County Administrator, Clarendon County Emergency Management Director, the Clarendon County Sheriff, South Carolina Highway Patrol, and all other local, state, and government agencies, along with neighboring departments that came together to support this response.
Our community partners also reminded us of what it means to take care of the people who are taking care of others. Chick-fil-A of Manning provided meals for first responders and many others on scene, while others made sure our crews had water and what they needed throughout a long and demanding day. Those gestures may seem simple, but to the men and women working for hours on an emergency scene, they mean more than we can ever express.
To McLeod Health Clarendon, thank you for the incredible communication, coordination, and care. Your team worked alongside ours to make the transition from the scene to the emergency department as smooth as possible — and even made sure our crews were taken care of when they arrived. That kindness did not go unnoticed.
To the Clarendon County School District, thank you for answering the call and providing transportation when it was needed. Your willingness to step in without hesitation was another example of what makes this community special.
We want to extend a special thank you to the American Red Cross for responding and immediately stepping in to care for those affected by the incident. While first responders worked to manage the scene, a Red Cross volunteer made sure the people involved had water, snacks, and someone looking out for their basic needs during what was an unexpected and stressful experience.
That kind of support matters. Sometimes taking care of people means providing medical care or solving a problem, and sometimes it means handing someone a bottle of water, something to eat, and reminding them that they are not alone in the middle of a difficult situation. The Red Cross did exactly that. Their presence allowed our responders to remain focused on the emergency while knowing that the people waiting and affected by the incident were also being cared for. We are incredibly grateful for their response, their compassion, and the important role they played in yesterday’s incident.
To every firefighter, medical professional, law enforcement officer, dispatcher, healthcare worker, tow operator, transportation official, government employee, business, neighboring departments, and community members who helped in some way — thank you.
And finally, to the members of Clarendon County Fire Rescue: We could not be prouder of you!
What makes this department special cannot simply be taught in a classroom. It is the genuine love our members have for people and for the communities they serve. We often say we are in the customer service business. When someone is having one of the worst days of their life, our job is to show up, solve problems, provide care, and put people first. They always come first.
Yesterday showed what can happen when a community comes together. Different uniforms. Different agencies. Different jobs. Different roles. One purpose — taking care of people.
We are incredibly grateful that yesterday ended without the loss of life. And today, we are equally grateful for every person who stepped forward to help.
This is what community looks like. Thank you
Clarendon County Fire Rescue
Serving our community. Putting people first.
