A Tribute to Our Armed Forces!!

This weekend we are all celebrating Memorial Day in a free country thanks to all the members of our Armed Forces, past and present, who have fought for our freedom.   Even in the Fire Service, we have brothers and sisters who have been called up and are serving in missions all over the world to protect us.  Take some time to keep them in your thoughts and prayers along with all who have served before them.

It is no secret here that we enjoy cars and amazing paint jobs.  Thanks to Mr. Ovie Mulkey for sharing these photos with us as we celebrate our freedom and honor our heroes. God Bless America!

Celebrating a Special Day!

Brent Walters, a Columbia firefighter, and his fiance, Ashley Gainey, visited town recently and expressed an interest in having their wedding in the gazebo at Charleston's Central Station.  With the support of Pam Blevins in the Chief's office, we were honored to help make their wish a reality today as they exchanged vows in front of family and a host of  new friends from the CFD. After the ceremony and a great reception, they were treated to a ride through downtown Charleston on Engine 11 accompanied by their wedding party. Many thanks to them for allowing us to be a part of this special time as we wish them all the best in the future!

Congratulations to All of Our CFD Kids!!

This is a special time of year for our CFD family as many of our children celebrate their graduations. Whether it is preschool, elementary, middle, high school or college, they have all worked hard to reach this milestone in their lives.  We congratulate each of them on their accomplishments and wish them all great success in the future!

The Loss of a Friend....................

Retired CFD Chief Training Officer James Howard, Sr., 57, passed away yesterday after a brief illness. Chief Howard was a graduate of Bishop England High School and Trident Technical College. Chief Howard was one of the founders of the Fire Department Honor Guard and was also a founding board member for the Carolina Children's Charity and a member of Saints Frederick and Stephens Catholic Mission on Edisto Island. He is survived by his loving wife of twenty seven years, Julie L. Howard of Edisto Island; a daughter, Laura Ashley Howard of Charleston; a son, James Michael Howard, Jr. of Charleston; five siblings, Helen Thomas of Anchorage, AK, Anthony Howard of Central Valley, CA, Stephen Howard of Charleston, SC, Jean Garren of Cottageville, SC and Theresa Cotton of Bryson City, NC. Chief Howard was predeceased by two brothers, Larry and Ralph Howard. The relatives and friends of Chief James M. Howard, Sr., are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 21, 2011, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 5 St. Teresa Dr. Charleston. The Rite of Committal will be held in St. Lawrence Cemetery. The family will receive friends between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 20, 2011, at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy. Charleston with the Rosary being recited at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the Saints Frederick and Stephens Catholic Mission Building Fund, PO Box 602 Edisto Island, SC 29438.

The Passing of Father Roth

Photo Courtesy of SCOnFire.com

Reverend Monsignor Joseph Roth, longtime Chaplain of the South Carolina State Firefighters Association, passed away May 15th after a long illness. Father Roth was a true friend and mentor and provided practical and spiritual guidance to us for many years. 

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 19, 2011 at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 503 37th Ave. N., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. The Most Reverend Robert E. Guglielmone, Bishop of the Diocese of Charleston, is the celebrant. Final Prayers and Committal Service will be held 4:30 p.m., Thursday, May 19, 2011 at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412.

New Life!

Even though our old Engine 11 doesn’t respond to fires any longer, it has been a special part of our Team and our lives now for several years. It has served as a rallying point for us many times, standing as a symbol of hope and recovery for all of us.  It has been involved in many exciting and  happy occasions, weddings, parades, and other events that have brought many smiles to all around it. It has also been involved in solemn events as well, funerals of friends and loved ones and memorials for our fallen brothers. So, often we have an opportunity to see it be a part of something very special and this week, it did not let us down.  It seems that a momma bird decided to take refuge on Engine 11 to have her babies, building a nest in the “skull saver” on its ladder. All three crews at Engine 116 have taken an interest in this new life going on and have been leaving a door open in the station to allow the momma an opportunity to fly in and out of the station in search of food for her offspring. Who said firefighters couldn’t be “softies”? At any rate, Engine 11 is out of service for a while until these little ones can fly from the nest. Thanks guys, for keeping an eye on them.

North Charleston District Firefighters to Hold Reunion!

On the Job, 1988!

Members of the North Charleston District Fire Department will hold a reunion dinner on June 17, 2011, beginning at 7:00 p.m., at Kim's Steakhouse, West of the Ashley in Charleston.  Any and all of you who ever had the opportunity to work in the District are invited to attend. There are quite a few folks already signed up so come on out and join us to see some old friends.  We probably didn't realize it but we were living in some very special times during our District years and it will be great to get together to reminisce. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

New Shipment of Charleston 9 T-Shirts Has Arrived!

Many of you have asked about Charleston 9 T-shirts in preparation for "Wear Red for the Nine Day" on June 18th. We have received a new shipment of t-shirts and can fill your order now. Please contact us on  Facebook at the "Charleston Firefighter Support Team" page or call (843) 609-8300.  Thank you for your support!