Clarendon County Fire Rescue recently celebrated the graduation of its 2026 Firefighter Recruit Class while also recognizing several department members who were promoted to new leadership positions.
The ceremony marked the completion of extensive training for 10 firefighter recruits and recognized three firefighters with class awards. Newly promoted officers were also formally pinned into their positions.
The 2026 graduates were Timothy McBraver, Cameron Mahoney, David Bennett, Trey Falls, Jaylan Telford, Andrew Mitchum, Andrew Didonato, Josh Beeles, Matthew Rogers, Ethan Broome and Daniel White.
Telford received the Instructor’s Choice Award, while Broome received the Leadership Award.
CCFR said the graduation represented both an accomplishment for the recruits and the beginning of the responsibility that comes with serving their community.
“Our firefighter recruits have dedicated countless hours to training, learning, and preparing for the responsibility that comes with serving our community,” the department said. “Graduation marks an important accomplishment, but it also represents the beginning of a career built on service, courage, commitment, and teamwork.”
The department also recognized newly promoted Capt. Joseph McLeod, Capt. Keith “Buck” Novak, Capt. Shawn Norman and Lt. Bradley Welch. Chief Jason Dennis participated in the promotion ceremony.
CCFR said promotions within the department carry responsibilities beyond a new title or insignia, including leading and mentoring other firefighters and setting an example for those under their leadership.
Battalion Chief Scott Feather of Colleton County Fire Rescue served as keynote speaker for the ceremony, offering advice to the graduates about the influence they and others can have throughout their careers.
“People you come into contact with have an influence on your life,” Feather said. “People you come into contact with will mold you.”
Feather also encouraged the firefighters to find meaning in their profession, telling them, “It’s okay to love what you do.”
Jamie Helms, executive director of the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, also attended the ceremony to recognize the graduates and newly promoted officers.
The evening included a tribute to the history and legacy of the fire service, with CCFR presenting $10,000 to the South Carolina Firefighters Heritage Museum. The funds were made possible through contributions from department members.
The donation was divided into two $5,000 gifts, one made in honor of Chief Frances Richbourg and the other in honor of Chief Carter Jones.
According to CCFR, the donations recognize two names with significance to Clarendon County Fire Rescue and South Carolina’s fire service while helping preserve the history, traditions and stories of generations of firefighters.
The department also recognized the families, friends, instructors and fellow firefighters who supported the recruits and promoted officers throughout their training and careers.
In a message to the graduates and officers following the ceremony, CCFR encouraged them to take pride in their accomplishments while continuing to learn and grow.
“Be proud of what you have accomplished, but never stop learning, training, growing, and earning the trust that comes with the badge and the rank you now wear,” the department said.
