How Do We Remember?

As we approach June 18, it is important to remember that each of us will mark this day is a different way. Whether it is visiting the Sofa Super Store site, the grave of one of the Charleston 9, or the Mepkin Abbey CFD 9 Remembrance Garden, there are many ways to observe this day. But, we should also remember those of us who may not choose to be a part of a public event. How will you remember the Charleston 9 and mark this day? As time moves on, it is important to remember that each of the 9 were family men, fun-loving guys who loved their families and loved their jobs. Without question, they would want you to take care of yourselves, to spend time with each other or your families and to enjoy all that life has to offer us. The grief process for each of us is a different journey, marked with sad times and joyful memories of those who are no longer with us. Take comfort in making June 18 a day to remember and live it to the fullest as your tribute to the Charleston 9.

We're Almost There!!!

As you know, we have been working on the "Raising Engine 11" project for some time now. I am happy to report that it has been painted this week and we will soon begin reassembling it. Many thanks to Retired Battalion Chief Jeff Holbird of the North Charleston Fire Department, along with Sonny Riddle, for their hard work in making this a reality!

Engine 11 Update!

Engine 11 should be out of the paint shop in the next few weeks and the tasks of reassembling it begins. We are excited about the progress and are looking forward to completing this project and putting the truck in service in our outreach programs. Stay tuned for more to come!

New Recruit Class Begins Training!

On Thursday, April 29, 2009, thirty new recruits began their careers with the CFD.  The Support Team was on hand with the class on Monday, May 4 to present the Behavioral Health Workshop to them and, later in the day, we visited the SSS site with the group where Capts. Mark Davis and Chris Villareal shared their experiences at the fire in a very moving presentation. Both Capt. Davis and Capt. Villareal challenged each of the recruits to take full advantage of the 16 weeks of grueling training being offered to them as they work to become members of this department.  Later in the day, the Support Team displayed the "Never Forget" Camaro to the class to finish up the day.  We wish each and every one of our recruits the best in the coming weeks and look forward to attending their graduation in August.   

Department Peers Complete Initial Training

On April 20 and 21, 2009, twenty-one personnel of the CFD completed the initial training to become Peer Counselors in the department. Sixteen of those attending have decided to become members of the Charleston Firefighter Support Team as Peer Counselors. Our Team is honored to have worked with all of those folks who attended the program and we look forward to continue that work with those who have chosen to join our Team. The Peer Team will have its first meeting on Thursday, May 7, where we will begin the organizational phase of the Peer Team to include additional training. We will post a list of Peer Team members with their contact information on this site and in each fire station shortly.

"Never Forget" Camaro Wins Twice Today!

The "Never Forget" Camaro won two trophies today at the Trident Technical College's Spring Car Show in North Charleston. It placed first in the Drag Car division and also won the College's Advisory Board's Trophy. Gerald Mishoe is pictured above with the Advisory Board's trophy.