Local News

CCFR recognizes recent graduates at pinning ceremony

Posted

The Clarendon County Fire Rescue team added six new firefighters, twelve new EMT’s, and promoted six of their current members, July 12th at a ceremony held at Weldon Auditorium in Manning. The 2022 Firefighter Recruit/EMT Graduation and Promotional Pinning Ceremony was opened in prayer by Assistant Fire Chief Robert Ridgeway and opening remarks were given by Fire Chief Michael Johnson.

“I appreciate you,” were the words spoken by Johnson as he addressed the audience.

The keynote speaker of the night was Chief Joe Palmer from Newberry County. He reminded the leaders in the room that their positions “require trust.” When addressing the family members in attendance, Palmer spoke of the importance of mental health. He encouraged family members to be supportive and understanding of the men and women who serve. Palmer challenged the graduates to “keep your first family first,” and to remember they are “never off duty.”

The twelve EMT’s were the first graduates of the in-house training program. The class began in July 2020 and all trainees successfully completed the course. With 275 hours of training and a class average of 92.3% on exams, the graduates took an oath to serve the residents of Clarendon County.

An intimate reception followed the ceremony where friends and family of the new recruits and newly promoted were celebrated. 

(Pictures and captions provided by CCFR Public Relations Officer, April Conyers.)