Clarendon County Fire Rescue recognized decades of service, leadership and dedication during its annual Christmas Banquet and Awards Ceremony, an evening marked by both celebration and reflection as Chief Michael Johnson addressed the department just days after announcing his retirement.
The banquet honored firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and officers for milestones ranging from five to 45 years of service, along with annual excellence awards and Hall of Fame inductions. It also served as one of Johnson’s final formal addresses to the department, coming one day after Clarendon County Council recognized him with an award for 25 years of service during its regular meeting, where he publicly announced his retirement.
“True courage rarely announces itself,” Johnson said in his remarks. “It shows up quietly—often in the middle of the night, in bunker gear, with a jump bag, a cardiac monitor, with tired eyes and a determined heart.”
Johnson described the department not simply as an organization, but as a family bound by shared sacrifice, trust and purpose.
“When I stand here and look around this room, I don’t just see firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and support staff,” he said. “I see a family. A fire rescue family. A family built not by blood, but by shared purpose, shared sacrifice, and a level of trust that most people will never experience in their lifetime.”
Among the longest-serving members recognized were Capt. Junior Odom for 45 years of service and Mitch McElveen for 40 years. Multiple members were honored for 25 years of service, including Johnson himself, Capt. Todd English, Capt. Jeremy Evans, Capt. Sidney Welch and Capt. Randy McKee, who was also promoted to captain of Station 12.
Other service awards included Capt. Marc Brewer and Battalion Chief Billy Ward for 20 years, and Lt. Patrick Brailsford and Capt. Bryan Thompson for five years. Thompson was also promoted to captain of Station 5.
Annual excellence awards were presented to Capt. Richard Stepp, who received the Division 1 Excellence Award, and Capt. John Buchko, who received the Division 3 Excellence Award. Firefighter Paramedic Bradley Welch was named Rookie of the Year, while Firefighter EMT Nic Daugherty received Firefighter of the Year honors. Lt. Casey Melone was recognized as Paramedic of the Year, and Capt. Courtney Atkinson was named Officer of the Year.
Three members were inducted into the Clarendon County Fire Rescue Hall of Fame: Firefighter Kirk Hall, Capt. Greg Holliday and Division Chief Josh Jordan.
In his closing remarks, Johnson thanked firefighters and their families for the personal sacrifices made in service to the community.
“Thank you for the early mornings, the late nights, the missed holidays, the sacrifices your families make, and the moments you’ve put others before yourself,” he said. “Thank you for bringing honor to this profession not just through your actions, but through the way you carry yourselves—with kindness, respect, and a deep sense of duty.”
Johnson urged members to take pride in the heart and compassion they bring to each call, calling them “the silent heroes of this community.”
“May you always remember what you do matters,” he said. “We are better, safer, and stronger because of you. Stay passionate. Stay humble. And above all, stay safe and take care of each other.”
