“The Evolution Of The Manning Fire Department - 1871-1937”, compiled by Carter Jones, Historian for the S.C. State Firefighters’ Association, was presented to the Manning Fire Department which chronicles the early history of the City’s fire protection. On hand for the presentation was Mayor Julia Nelson, Administrator Scott Tanner, Fire Chief Mitch McElveen, Firemen’s Association Director of Operations Ashley Bolton, and Carter Jones.
Jones, Former Manning Fire Chief from 1975-1991, joined the Manning Fire Department as a volunteer in 1966, and, 54 years later, is still actively involved in the fire service. In his research, Jones recalls a number of the individuals who played a role in the department’s history and provides early newspaper accounts of the department’s growth and experiences. Jones is a recent author of a book entitled “A Legacy That Lives On” which details the rich history of South Carolina’s fire service and reference Manning in its content.
According to Ashley Bolton, Director of Operations for the Firefighters’ Association, “The Manning Fire Department has been a member of the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association for just over 100 years, and it is so pleasing for the Association to be able to pay tribute to this department for its many contributions and support over these many years.”
In making the presentation, Jones said “This has been an interesting project to uncover some of my home-town department’s stories and legacy which has been lost through time or even forgotten by more current generations. Hopefully this work will be shared with many whose interests and love of the fire service will kindle a desire to keep our legacy alive.”
