Fire-Rescue members, their families and dignitaries gathered at the Colleton Middle School for the annual awards banquet and Christmas dinner. The doors opened at 17:00 and the meal was served at 18:00. Following the dinner service and other awards were presented.
Two special awards were presented to County Councilman Dr. Joseph Flowers for his 24 years of service and support to the Fire-Rescue Program. Dr. Flowers retired this year and will finish serving his term in January. The second award was prepared for Firefighter-EMT S.G. "Scooter" Drew who served as Vice-Chairman of the Fire-Rescue Commission for 20 years.
Length of service awards were presented to:
30 years - Melodie Ellis, William Gooding and James Varnadoe
20 years - KC Campbell, Joseph Holmes, Dale Kizer and Dr. Adam Mandel
10 years - Tyler Hardee and Alexander Koontz
5 years - Logan Gilreath, Kelly Landers, Hooly Noble, Angie Stewart, Pete Bohrer, Porsche Walker
Bryan Eadon had the fastest shute times for 2024.
Matthew Daugherty had the highest percentage of successful intubations.
Kayla Katt had the highest percentage of successful IV administrations.
Joseph Ciccone had the highest career responses.
Logan Gilreath had the highest volunteer responses.
Tyler Allen (two awards), Garrick Barb, Alexander Begin, Stephen Bellew, Josh Blasko, Brandon Broach, Joseph Cambell, Alexa Compton (two awards), Brent Dalton (two awards), Matthew Daugherty, Ray Delonge (two awards), Mike Duffy, Bryan Eadon, Sabrina Fetty, Tanner Flood, Greg Graham, Charles Gries, Storm Hadwin, Joseph Holmes (two awards), Jeremy Hunt, Robert Jennings, Kayla Katt, Tony Keen, Alex Koontz, Raymond Kozik, Allen Lawyer, Andrew McCaskill, Barry McRoy, Chris Sarine, Brent Spearman, Steven Strader, Dalton Sweatt, Shane Weber and Brad Welch (two awards).
Firefighter of the Year Awards:
Volunteer Firefighter of the Year was Firefighter-EMT Lt. Ray DelongeCareer Firefighter of the Year was Firefighter-Paramedic Tony Keen
W. Gene Whetsell Award:
There were two recipients of the W. Gene Whetsell Award for Excellence. Firefighter-Paramedic Robert Jennings and Firefighter-EMT Tyler Allen for their efforts in rescuing and successfully resuscitating a drowning victim from the Atlantic Ocean.
