Colleton County Fire-Rescue

3/12/2011

	Thirty years worth of Islandton Firefighters from Stations 10 and 15 celebrated three decades of operation Saturday evening 12-March beginning at 18:30. The crowd of past and present volunteer firefighters and family members began arriving at 18:30, bringing many handmade desserts to compliment the two hogs that the current staff had been cooking all day. 78 people shared in the celebration marking thirty years of service to the Islandton Community and Colleton County. Following the meal, Station Captain Matthew Owens Williams Jr presided over the presentation which consisted of a lot of reminiscing and a Power Point presentation. Firefighters dug up old photographs which were used to chronicle the development and progress of the department.  The informative presentation covered the conceptual  days beginning in 1981 with the construction of the fire station, now Station # 15, the addition of Station 10 on Adnah Church Road; the addition of several newer pieces of apparatus; the inclusion into the Countywide Fire System in 2004; through present day. Included were the first 1957 open cab Howe pumper, purchased from the Sumter Fire Dept., the restoration of the Engine through its reassignment and eventual retirement in 2007.
	The little kids pictured on the old Engine are now the officers and firefighters managing the stations, with their children now playing on the new Engine, equipped with a roof and air conditioning. The entire group participated pointing out past firefighters and community members who supported the fire station in many ways, such as fund raising events, the annual 40 mile Poke Run and annual meetings. Photos showed the first firefighter training class, the first medical first responder course, some emergency scenes and lots of people. It was an enjoyable event, bringing forth many memories and recognitions. SC State Representative Bill Bowers was in attendance. Williams concluded the event by issuing everyone with a commemorative coin marking the 30 years of progress and service.