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CCFR celebrates service and dedication at annual awards banquet

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Clarendon County Fire Rescue held its annual Christmas and Awards Banquet on December 10, bringing together approximately 200 members and guests to celebrate a year of service and achievements. Sumter Fire Department and South Lynches Fire Rescue provided coverage for the evening, allowing all members to attend the event.

The banquet featured special guests, including Sen. Jeffrey Zell, Rep. Fawn Pedalino, County Administrator Lynden Anthony, Deputy Administrator Sharmane Anderson, County Council Chairman Dwight Stewart, Councilman Pat Coker, Coroner Jackie Blackwell, and Santee Fire Department Chief Edward Barnett.

Chief Michael Johnson addressed the crowd, highlighting the department’s core values of compassion, pride, and resilience. “Tonight, we are surrounded by individuals who embody the values of Compassion, Pride, and Resilience. These are not just words, they are the foundation of who we are as fire rescue personnel,” Johnson said.

The event also honored longtime public servants. County Council Chairman Dwight Stewart and Councilman A.C. English were recognized for their many years of service, while Dr. Amber Willis was sworn

in as Assistant Medical Control Physician for Clarendon County Fire Rescue. Dr. Willis was pinned by her son during the ceremony.

Several members were recognized with awards for their outstanding contributions:

Rookie of the Year: Romayne Aiken

Officer of the Year: April Conyers

Paramedic of the Year: Bobby Hingst

EMT of the Year: Candi Elms

Firefighter of the Year: Addison Ragland

Division 1 Award: Brandon Johnson

Division 2 Award: Matt Jordan

Division 3 Award: Ricky Barrett

Hall of Fame Inductees: Todd English, Chris Graham, Jason Dennis

Promotions were also celebrated, with Richard Stepp sworn in as Captain and Patrick Brailsford promoted to Lieutenant. Newly sworn-in volunteer firefighters included Tucker Mathis, Bethea Lewis, and Cameron Frierson.

The department recognized members for their years of dedicated service:

5 Years: Cole Barrineau, Tracy Benenhaley, John Buchko, Jesse Galbreath, Tripp Kennedy, Michael Murley, Bryce Parler, Addison Ragland, Amanda Richbourg, Kayla Sapp

10 Years: Taylor Baxley, Lauren Beaty, Jennifer Connors, April Conyers, Hunter Morris

15 Years: Tanya Cox, Nic Daugherty, Jason Dennis, KJ Hall

20 Years: Tonya Revill, William Rombilus

30 Years: Mike Ard, Tom Coffey, Jonathan Jones, Robert Pegram

45 Years: Cody Odom

The evening was all about celebrating the incredible dedication and hard work of Clarendon County Fire Rescue members, showing just how much they mean to their community and each other.