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.

June 14th to be Busy Day!!

On Sunday, June 14, 2009, beginning at 9:00 a.m., the Charleston Firefighters' Local 61 will sponsor a 5K run at Palmetto Island County Park in Mount Pleasant. Proceeds from the run will be used to purchase equipment for the department.  There will be a fire truck on display for all to enjoy along with the "Never Forget" Charleston 9 Tribute Race Car.  Visit their website for more information and registration forms at www.local61.com.

Later in the day, from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m., the CFD Wives' Club will present the second annual Charleston 9 Commemorative Family Picnic at Brittlebank Park on the Ashley River in Charleston.  There will be fun and food provided for all ages, including a jump castle, and snow cone and popcorn machines. There will also be music, along with fire trucks and the "Never Forget" Charleston 9 Tribute Race Car on display.

Any and all members of the Charleston Fire Department family, including active and retired members, are invited to attend.

Please bring your lawn chairs and plan to enjoy the afternoon with us.

Department Peer Counselor Training Program To Be Held

A program to train potential Peer Counselors from the ranks of the Charleston Fire Department will be held on April 20 & 21, 2009, in the Training Tower classroom. This program, being taught by a team of Peer Counselors from the FDNY Counseling Services Unit, will be open to all personnel who may have an interest in becoming a Peer Counselor.

This is a "no obligation" program that will enable participants to prepare themselves and to decide whether or not they are interested in becoming a member of the Charleston Firefighter Support Team as a Peer Counselor.

Remember, regardless of your rank or length of time in the department, you could be a Peer to someone on the job.

We invite you all to come out and join us for this program.