The "Ride for Clay" a Big Success!

Hats off to the Red Knights Motorcycle Club and all the friends and family who came out today to support little Clay Dixon and his family as Clay continues his battle against an inoperable brain tumor. Clay continues to set an example for all of us to follow as he keeps a positive attitude and bright outlook.  

Today was especially memorable for us as J.J. Winn took up his Dad's duties of driving Clay and his brother Jacob in the ride to Wadmalaw Island for a great party and finale to the day. Chief Winn always enjoyed driving Clay and J.J. did it in special fashion today with his Dad's "Big John" truck.  

Congratulations to Brian and Erin!

Congratulations to St. Andrews Firefighter Brian Kimmel and his bride, Erin, as they were married this afternoon in a beautiful setting at the Island House on John's Island.  We were happy to provide Engine 8 for a backdrop for some of their wedding photos.  Thank you for allowing us to be a small part of your special day! 

"Fight for Air" Climb Set for July 28th!

The American Lung Association’s  “Fight for Air” Climb is being held at the North Charleston Coliseum on Saturday, July 28, 2012. We are inviting any and all firefighters to join us for this very worthwhile event to support the ALA and their efforts. Fire department teams from other cities will be coming to Charleston to compete in this very worthwhile event. 

Charleston Fire Department Battalion Chief John Winn will be honored this year as the first place trophy for the top fundraising fire department team will now be called the “John Winn Memorial Trophy”, given in his honor by the Charleston Firefighter Support Team. Chief Winn passed away in May after battling lung cancer and was an avid supporter of the ALA.  In addition to being a longtime member of the CFD, he was a founding member of our Team. This award will be a traveling trophy presented to the first place team to keep until the next year’s competition.  It will be a full-size firefighter helmet mounted on a specially designed walnut base that will stand as a lasting tribute to Chief Winn.   

Please contact Gerald Mishoe at (843) 609-8300 if you have any questions or visit the event’s website at http://www.lung.org/pledge-events/sc/north-charleston-climb-fy13/ for more information and to enter. 

3rd Annual "Ride for Clay" Coming Up!

Friends, it is time for the "3rd Annual Ride for Clay". On Saturday, June 30, we will come together for the third year to help our little buddy Clay Dixon, suffering from an inoperable brain tumor. This year will be special for our Team as we ride with Clay and remember our friend and teammate, Chief John Winn.  You see, in 2010, Chief Winn drove Clay in the first ride on our Engine 11 and made it a special day for Clay and for all of us. Now, this enemy we call cancer has taken our friend but, in his honor, his son, Capt. John Winn, Jr. of the Charleston Fire Department, will step in for his Dad and ride Clay on his Dad's truck, "Big John".  It is an event you don't want to miss. Come out and join us for this special day that will end out on Wadmalaw Island with a great party. 

"Forever in Our Hearts"

On Monday, many will gather at the Charleston 9 Memorial Site for the Fifth Anniversary Memorial Service to remember these brave firefighters and to pay our respects to their memories. 

The Charleston Fire Department has gained many new members since 2007 and many others have retired, left the department or passed away. Regardless of where we were then, or where we are now, we hope that all of you will take time on Monday to remember the 9 and their sacrifices. Some will take time to be with their families and others will be on duty. Whether it’s out on your boat, going to a movie, traveling with your family, resting at home, or attending the Memorial, it is important to take care of yourselves for that is what our nine brothers would want us to do.

Regardless of where you are, just take a moment to remember them as their legacies live on through all of us as they will be “Forever in Our Hearts”.

Charleston 9 Fifth Anniversary Memorial Service To Be Held on Monday, June 18th

All firefighters, their families and the general public are invited to join us for the Fifth Anniversary Charleston 9 Memorial service being held on Monday, June 18, at the Charleston 9 Memorial Park (SSS site) on Savannah Highway. Please be there by 6:30 p.m. in order to start the service at 7:00 p.m. 

All firefighters are invited to join CFD personnel to march into the site in formation. Any firefighter who wishes to participate to march in should wear their Class A uniform.

2012 Fire-Rescue Conference a Huge Success!

Wow, what an amazing week at the Fire Rescue Conference! Everything from the Emerald Pipe and Drums, great speakers, including baseball great, Bobby Richardson, informative classes, listening to Mr. Jack Slagle reminisce about the old days, loads of nice fire trucks including "Big John", great food with great friends, vendors with lots of equipment and tons of cool shirts, Broadway at the Beach, a memorable Memorial Service , a fun-filled golf tournament, the first joint conference of the Firefighters and Fire Chiefs Associations and the roll out of the Association's "Reaching Out" program. This crowd was "swinging for the fence" and knocked it out of the park!

Stop By and Visit

Chief Winn and Capt. Winn 

We are honored to tell you that CFD Capt. J.J. Winn will join us in Myrtle Beach tomorrow to be at the Conference with his Dad's "Big John" truck. Stop by and visit with J.J. as he shares stories about his Dad and his mission.

Spending Time Together.................

As I roamed the halls of the Convention Center this morning, seeing old friends again and meeting new folks, I realized how special it is to be a part of the South Carolina Fire Service.  Whether reminiscing with an old fire dog like me, or listening to our young firefighters and their enthusiasm, it is just a special place to be.  Each year we get together to train, meet, party, and even dance to celebrate this great business we call the Fire Service and this year will be no different. 

I must tell you that this morning was a little melancholy though as I thought of my good friend John, who was here at the Conference with us last year.  Also, we hurt this morning for our entire fire department family as we remember our friend, Ross Reeves, who has tragically left us at such an early age.  The best way I think we can honor them is to work hard to keep improving ourselves at this Conference, as I’m sure they would tell to carry on.  

If you are Conference bound, please travel safely and we’ll see you here. If not, we’ll look forward to seeing you all again soon. 

Gerald

Sad News Today..............................

Our hearts go out to our Brothers and Sisters of the Summerville and Cattle Creek Fire Departments today in the loss of Ross Reeves. Ross was a paid member of the SFD and a volunteer Chief at Cattle Creek. He was killed in an automobile accident this morning in Dorchester County. I became friends with Ross very recently when we assisted his family with arrangements for his grandfather's funeral, a long time Chief of the Cattle Creek Fire Department. Ross loved the fire department and was proud to have followed his grandfather at Cattle Creek. Funeral arrangements will be posted when they become available. Rest in peace, my friend. 

On Saturday, June 16, Charleston Firefighters Local 61 will be hosting the "Kilts & Kegs" event at the Charleston Beer Works on King Street in downtown Charleston.  Come out and relax with us and enjoy the music, food, and fellowship! Our hot rod and the "Big John" Mack will be parked on King Street and I promise you they will be something to see! Plus, our own Robbie Barrineau will be playing the pipes and that, in itself, will be worth the trip! All proceeds from this event will go to support the Charleston 9 Memorial Fund.