Salisbury Fire Department Women's Auxiliary Visits!

We are excited to be hosting members of the Salisbury, North Carolina Fire Department Women's Auxiliary as they visit Charleston this weekend.  Our Team became associated with the SFD over two years ago when they lost two of their own in a tragic fire in a cabinet manufacturing business in Salisbury.  We have had the honor of visiting and working with their firefighters on several occasions and the ladies took us up on an invitation to visit us.  Tonight, we enjoyed dinner with them at Jestine's Kitchen across from Central Station in Charleston before taking them for a riding tour of downtown on Engine 11. Afterwards, they were treated to a tour of Central Station and a visit with the crews of Engine 102 and 103.  Special thanks to my wife, Marci-Jo and CFD Wives Club members Laura Haigler and Jennifer Happ for acting as tour guides,  to Captain Joe Johnston and CFD Retiree Richard Happ for volunteering to drive them around the City, and to the crews of Central Station for hosting them in their station. They will tour Charleston tomorrow before we take them on a ghost walk tomorrow night to cap off their visit.    

CFD Promotional Ceremony Held Today!

Today, we celebrated with the CFD family at the promotional ceremony for all of our new Battalion Chiefs, Captains, Engineers and Assistant Engineers held at the Emmett Robinson Theatre on the campus of the College of Charleston.  It was a special day for those who have worked hard to advance in the department. As we sat in the audience, it was especially exciting to see all of the smiles on the faces of the friends and family members and to hear the sounds of the children.  It made my heart smile as I was reminded of my earlier years.  If I could offer any words to these men, it would be to be proud of what you have accomplished and to cherish every minute of this journey.  This is an exciting time in your lives!    

Carolina Children's Charity Sponsoring Fundraiser!

CFD Retirees Sponsoring Christmas Toy Drive!

CFD  Retiree Joe Gregorie and his grandaughter, Mary

Our Team hosted the CFD Retirees "Hooked Up" program Thursday night at the Visitors Center in downtown Charleston.  We enjoyed a great meal followed with a presentation by CFD Battalion Chief Joey Roberts on the new Engines 108, 115 and Air 101.  Thanks to Chief Roberts and to the crews who joined us for the meeting.   

Retired Battalion Chief Buddy Aytes, Battalion Chief Joey Roberts and Captain Joe Johnston

The Retirees group has decided, once again, to support "Debi's Kids" by collecting toys to be donated to under-privileged children at Christmas time. We are beginning the drive now and will make our delivery of the toys after our December meeting.  Anyone interested in donating to this very worthwhile project can contact our Team offices and we will pick up your donation.

New Red Charleston 9 T-Shirts Now Available!

The red Charleston 9 T-shirts are now once again available. Diane French and her family have graciously decided to donate any profits from the sale of these shirts to our Team in memory of Mikey. Please send us a Facebook message if you would like to order these shirts or call Gerald Mishoe at (843) 609-8300 or e-mail him at gerald@scfirefighters.org.

CFD Retiree Ernie Droze has donated two original photographs to us of the wreck of Charleston Fire Department Engine 3. The inscription on the back of one of them says that this accident occurred on May 21, 1916, at 9:05 p.m., at the corner of King and Society Streets, responding to Box 613. Assistant Engineer Markley Prince was fatally injured in this accident. What a important piece of our history! We will cherish them and display them in honor of Engineer Prince. Special thanks to Ernie and Sonya for allowing us to have these.

Dedication Set for Captain James Hardison

This Saturday, September 18, the family and friends of CFD Captain James Hardison, deceased, will gather at Cook Field at the corner of North Rhett and Remount Road in North Charleston to plant a tree and place a marker in honor of his 6oth birthday.  Capt. Hardison, a popular CFD Captain, was stricken with a heart attack while playing and coaching softball at the field on April 20, 1997.  His family has extended an invitation to CFD members to join them for this dedication that will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the field.