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.