Twenty-seven teams competed in this year’s competition on Saturday morning March 28. For the second straight spring the event took place in its new home in downtown Columbia near Hampton and Main streets.

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department was proud to once again provide the fire engines and the staff to make the contest possible.

“The competition truly gets our members excited each spring,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “Not only are our firefighters eager to get a team together and try for the best pull time but they also take a great deal of pride in showing support for kids who are fighting for their very lives. We are grateful to our partners at Curing Kids Cancer for inviting us to collaborate on this idea thirteen years ago and we love that it has done so much good for the kids and their families.”

“Every year, this event means more to us than words can fully express—not just as an organization, but as a family,” said Grainne Owen, co-founder and CEO of Curing Kids Cancer. “We started this work in honor of my son, Killian, and it’s incredibly moving to see this community continue to show up for us year after year. Their compassion and support mean everything to us. Because of them, we’re able to fund lifesaving research right here in South Carolina that leads to individualized treatments for children—giving families real hope and more precious time. It means that other families may not have to walk the same heartbreaking path we did. This amazing gift of hope we can give to the children and their families is priceless!”

Members of the Irmo Fire District took home this year’s top prize for pull time. ‘Irmo Fire Strongmen Pulling for Logan’ pulled one of the fire engines down a stretch of the street in 17.68 seconds. ‘Michelin Yellow Pulling for Charlie’ finished with the second best pull time at 18.97 seconds.

Irmo Fire Strongmen Pulling for Logan

Every team that took part in the event pulled in support of or in memory of a child who has been touched by cancer.

‘Teagan’s Tribe’ recorded the highest amount in donations raised and two teams would be recognized for their creative costumes: ‘Curella’s Crew Pulling for Jackson and DeVill’s Dogs Pulling for Arianna.’

All proceeds raised from the event will go to fund pediatric cancer research at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Midlands, which is leading the charge in innovative treatments for childhood cancers.

The post $50,000 Raised in the Fight Against Cancer at 2026 Fire Truck Pull appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.

Thirty-eight awards were presented during the event at C.A. Johnson High School. A majority of honors went to firefighters who went above and beyond the call of duty to save civilian lives over the course of 2025.

“It is my great pleasure to preside over this ceremony each year,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “Our members truly put their passions and dedication into their work each day to make a difference for the citizens we protect. These awards are a simple way that we can say ‘thank you’ to them for their diligence, persistence and sacrifice.”

All award honorees for the ceremony were nominated by members of the Columbia-Richland Fire Department. The CRFD Awards Committee, which is made up of our personnel, carried out the task of reviewing nominations at the end of 2025 and ultimately selecting which members would receive awards.

Our department is honored to congratulate the following award winners:

Chief’s Cross

This award is reserved for the fire chief of the department to recognize a member or some citizen for some outstanding achievement – within or outside the fire department – that causes a positive or dramatic change in the Columbia-Richland Fire Department.

Senior Firefighter Andrew Morris

Green Cross

This award is given in recognition of a member who has made critical judgements and actions in performing life-preserving or life-resuscitative efforts for severely injured or ill patients.

Senior Firefighter Marcin Chrzanowski             Senior Firefighter Omar Flores Gill

 Senior Firefighter Caleb Jacobs                          Senior Firefighter Daniel Johnson

Senior Firefighter Andrew Morris                        Engineer Connor Brown

Engineer John Mabie                                                  Fire Captain Bobby Philips 

Fire Captain Anthony Rembisz                             Fire Captain Chad Solomon

(not pictured: Firefighter Clayton Alnor, Firefighter Darrin Diaz, Firefighter Justin Farr, Firefighter Michael Louis, Senior Firefighter Fredrick Reyes, Senior Firefighter William Young, Engineer Justin Epps, Engineer Gustavo Gonzalez, Engineer Matthew Ives, Engineer Logan Taber,  Fire Captain Charles Baxter, Fire Captain Weston Jumper, Fire Captain Thomas Nichols Fire Captain Kenneth Warr)

Formal Company/Division Citation

This award is presented to recognize a company or division that overcame adverse conditions as a team to uphold the Columbia-Richland Fire Department’s mission. 

• For the events of Wednesday March 12, 2025 during a motor vehicle accident with patient entrapment on I-126:

Rescue Co. 1 

Fire Capt. Christopher Byrd

Engineer Campbell Jacobs

S. Firefighter Ryan Espling

S. Firefighter Zachary Finch

Ladder Co. 7 

Fire Capt. Blake Cartee

Engineer Richard Shell

S. Firefighter Cameron Ingram

Firefighter Taylor Crews

Engine Co. 1

Fire Capt. Nicholas Branham

Engineer Nicholas Finley

S. Firefighter Desiree Colon

Firefighter Cameron Jones

Engine Co. 6 

Fire Capt. Davis Taylor

Engineer Sean Stephens

S. Firefighter Alexander Papalazarou

Firefighter Jackson Rish (not pictured)

Phoenix Award

This award is given to recognize an employee’s efforts in saving or freeing endangered firefighters or victims during a fire, vehicle entrapment, technical rescue, hazardous material (HAZMAT) incident or any other rescue situation.

Firefighter Andrew H. Morris                                    Senior Firefighter Ryan Espling

Senior Firefighter Caleb Jacobs                              Senior Firefighter Robert McConnell

Engineer Connor Brown                                             Engineer Campbell Jacobs

Engineer John Stulpin Jr.                                             Fire Captain Bobby Philips

Fire Captain Davis Taylor

The post Heroes Shine at CRFD’s Annual Department Awards Ceremony appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.

The ceremony to officially break ground on the new Fire Station 2 took place near the development site between Bluff Road and Hamrick Street on Wednesday February 4, 2026. Work will be ongoing in that area over the next 18 months to take the station from blueprints to reality.

“We really wanted to bring our community together to celebrate this moment because we got to this point thanks to the collaborative efforts of many,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “As our city and region continues to grow, our fire department has to keep pace in providing the best emergency services we can for our citizens. This new fire station is going to be of tremendous value to us as we continue to plan for the future.”

Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, Columbia City Manager Teresa Wilson

& Members of Council Break Ground on New Fire Station

At roughly 15,000 square feet, the new Olympia station will be situated between Bluff Road and Hamrick Street, with rear parking areas for the site abutting the old Capital City Ballpark. Features of the new station will include more space to house CRFD firetrucks, added firefighter dorms and a contemporary design that will help promote the department’s commitment to adhere to newly established NFPA contamination mitigation measures.

CRFD’s current fire station in Olympia has been in use since the 1990s and houses one engine company as well as a battalion chief. Those resources have handled roughly 3,800 emergency calls from the station over the past two years.

Department leaders are confident that the added space created by the new fire station will keep CRFD in a position where it can meet the continued growth of the community.

Among honored guests at the groundbreaking were Columbia Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann, City Manager Teresa Wilson, City Council members Will Brennan and Sam Johnson and CRFD community advocate Vi Hendley.

Firefighters serving out of the current Station 2 firehouse, which has been in use by the city since the 1990s, were also in attendance to help put ceremonial shovels in the ground.

Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Fire Station 2

Reeves Young is heading up construction on the project, which is expected to take at least the next 18 months to complete. The new station was designed by architectural firm Stewart Cooper Newell Architects. One principal goal of the project’s design was creating a modern fire station that would fit in with aesthetics found in other iconic architecture found in Olympia, most specifically the Olympia Mill.

“We’re grateful to be part of such an important project in our community and for the opportunity to partner with the city, CRFD, and Stewart Cooper Newell to bring it to life,” said Reeves Young President Chad McLeod.

The new station is estimated to cost about $10 million all of which will be covered by a Community Development Block Grant that was obtained by the city for the project.

The post Firefighters & Community Leaders Break Ground on New Fire Station appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.

• Attend a professional show instead of holding your own.
• Always read and follow directions on each firework.
• Only use fireworks outdoors, away from homes, dry grass, and trees.
• Keep a bucket of water, a fire extinguisher or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Always have an adult present when shooting fireworks.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.
• Wear protective eye glasses and gloves.
• Never hold a lit firework item in your hand.
• Adults should always handle fireworks and not children.

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!!

The post FD REMINDER: How to Use Fireworks Safely While Welcoming 2026 ! appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.

If your home or apartment has a live Christmas tree — WATER IT REGULARLY! 

“Live Christmas trees drink a lot of water each and every day,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “The best thing to do is make it a habit to check the water level in your tree stand multiple times each day. If the level ever appears low, add more water to the stand. This will help keep your Christmas tree green and prevent it from becoming a MAJOR fire hazard in your home.”

Studies and videos produced by the National Fire Protection Association clearly document the dangers of Christmas tree fires.

The NFPA has reported that from 2018 through 2022 fire departments across the U.S. responded to an average of 155 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires resulted in four civilian deaths, seven civilian injuries and $15 million in direct property damage each year.

Preventing Tree Fires 

Keeping your Christmas tree healthy and more flame-resistant begins with finding the greenest tree!

• Choose a tree with fresh green needles that do not fall off when touched!

Once you select your tree and bring it inside your home…

• Cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk before placing the tree in a stand
• Make sure the tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat source (i.e. heating vents, candles, radiators, fireplaces, etc.).
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree at least twice daily.

When you decorate the tree…

• Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights that are worn out or broken! Follow manufacturer’s guidelines on the maximum number of light strands to connect.
• NEVER use lit candles to decorate the tree!!
• Always turn off the tree lights before you go to bed or leave your home.

Quickly dispose of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Do not leave it inside or against the home!

Source: NFPA

Other Holiday Safety Tips

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn. For added safety use battery-powered candles instead.
• Blow out lit candles and turn off holiday lights when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.

• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
• DO NOT link multiple extension cords or overload power outlets to power holiday lights
• Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

When entertaining guests…

• 
• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.

Source: U.S. Fire Administration

• Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
• Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
• Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.

The post CRFD Reminding Citizens to Keep Christmas Trees Watered Through Holiday appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.

This is a new record set by CRFD’s annual ‘Firefighters Feeding Families Holiday Food Drive’, which is now in its sixth year. Dozens of vehicles passed through fire department headquarters in Columbia on Monday December 22, 2025 to collect free supplies of groceries, produce and meats.

“Each year our goal with this campaign has been to make sure that no family in our area goes without food for the holidays,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “Our new milestone in giving this year has been made possible thanks to the incredible support of our city and county leaders as well as area churches and businesses. The help of the community is truly what gets our fire station full of food each Christmas so we can help our area families who are most vulnerable. We are incredibly grateful to serve a community full of people who care.”

Donation Pick-Up Day for ‘Firefighters Feeding Families 2025’ – Monday December 22, 2025

Members of the Columbia City Council and Richland County Council were both on hand December 22 to help distribute grocery bags to citizens who requested food assistance. At times the line outside of CRFD headquarters on Laurel Street extended for several city blocks.

CRFD would like to thank our many community sponsors for making this year’s ‘Firefighters Feeding Families’ Holiday Food Drive a great success.

This includes members of the Richland County Council and the Columbia City Council who contributed thousands of dollars towards the purchase of meats, canned goods and non-perishable food items.

Area businesses and organizations also played a huge role in the success of this year’s campaign. Among them were Adluh Flour, Limitless Community Development, Walmart on Forest Drive and Garners Ferry Road, Sam’s Club on Forest Drive as well as Food Lion in Cayce.

The post ‘Firefighters Feeding Families’ Aids More Than 600 Households for 2025 Campaign appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.

The department is proud to announce the graduation of 17 new firefighters. The members of CRFD Recruit Class 2025-02 officially completed their training on Thursday December 4, 2025 with graduation exercises that were held at Eau Claire High School in Columbia.

Before their family and friends, each new firefighter received their badge from Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins.

Several awards were handed out during the graduation. Recruit Chad Reinkens was honored with both the Maltese Cross Award as well as the Bryan P. Roberts Academic Achievement Award.

Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins (left) presents the Maltese Cross Award & Bryan P. Roberts Award to Chad Reinkens)

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department extends its congratulations to our new full-time firefighters.

RECRUIT CLASS 2025-02

Adrien Alaimo

Joseph Alfonso

Jalaysia Allen

Ronald Ashford

Sami Ayoub

Chris Baldissard

Christian Carson

Matthew Cespe

David Crim

Ethan Culver

Nathan Daugherty

Chris Johnson

Riley LeVan

Kevin McNeil

Niquolas Quick

Chad Reinkens

Nicholas Squillace

The post 17 Firefighters Ready for Duty After Graduating From CRFD Recruit School appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.

The department has begun taking donations for its sixth annual ‘Firefighters Feeding Families Holiday Food Drive.’ From now through Friday December 19, 2025 area citizens can drop off canned goods and non-perishable food items at our many stations across the City of Columbia and Richland County. December 19 will be our final community collection day before food taken in will be distributed.

“I can tell you that by the time this campaign is over all of the donated food we collect will find homes that need it,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, ”The incredible need we see from our communities continues to grow and grow each year we do this food drive. During the holidays last year we were able to feed 500 area households for the second year in a row. That’s why we are once asking our area citizens and businesses to be as generous as possible and give what they can.”

Images from the 2024 ‘Firefighters Feeding Families’ Holiday Food Drive

All donations for this year’s drive can be dropped off at the fire museum at CRFD Headquarters, which is located at 1800 Laurel Street in Columbia OR any Columbia-Richland fire station across Richland County between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

A full list of our stations and their locations can be found on our website at www.colafire.net under the ‘Stations’ tab. Donors are encouraged to leave their items with a member of our staff to ensure they have been taken in.

Examples of non-perishable items that can be dropped off for the drive include:

• Canned meats and tuna
• Canned potatoes, vegetables and fruits
• Pasta and rice products
• Canned pasta
• Canned soups and stews
• Cereals
• Canned and dry beans
• Pasta sauces
• Nuts and dried fruits

ALL FOOD DONATED MUST NOT BE PAST EXPIRATION. CITZENS ARE ENCORUAGED TO CHECK THE EXPIRATION DATES ON ITEMS BEFORE DROPPING THEM OFF. 

All collected items will go directly to support area families in needs. Citizens needing food assistance can call the department Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8 a.m. until 5 p.m.) at 803-545-3700. Messages can be left at that number.

The post Collection Period Kicks Off for 6th Annual ‘Firefighters Feeding Families’ Holiday Food Drive appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.

Before their family and friends Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins presented badges to 12 new senior firefighters, seven fire captains as well a new training officer and battalion chief for the department. The ceremony was held at the Busby Street Community Center on the evening of Monday December 1.

“These members have demonstrated that they are all ready to take on new responsibilities as they move to higher ranks,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “I am truly proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing the great work they will continue to do for our communities and citizens.”

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department is proud to celebrate the following promotions:

Promoted to Senior Firefighter

Volunteer Members

David Greenwood

Career Members

John Christmus                       Marcin Chrzanowski               Jordan Coleman

Omar Flores Gill                      Justin Knight                        Kristofer McClain

(From left: Senior Firefighter Brenden Preussner & Senior Firefighter Marcin Chrzanowski with CRFD Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins)

Jordan Morgan                        Brenden Preussner               Frederick Reyes

Dawson Shealy                       Trent Yandle

Promoted to Fire Captain

James Amick                       Jonathan-Tyler Garcia               Weston Jumper

(From top left: Fire Captain Acie Kibler, Fire Captain Christopher Lindsey & Fire Captain Anthony Rembisz with CRFD Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins)

Acie Kibler                          Christopher Lindsey                   Sean McCutcheon

Anthony Rembisz

Promoted to Fire Training Officer

Andrew Stender

Promoted to Battalion Chief

Jermaine Powers

The post 21 CRFD Firefighters Honored at Fall Promotional Ceremony appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.

“That plan should include having a working fire extinguisher in your kitchen or outside with you if you plan to deep fry your holiday turkey,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “When cooking you also need to stay 100 percent focused on what you are doing. Doing so can help you prevent having a house fire or medical emergency.”

Each year Thanksgiving Day is the peak day for home cooking fires in the U.S. according to the National Fire Protection Association. In 2022 alone there were an estimated 1,610 home cooking fires and this was a 399 percent increase over the daily average.

To help ensure your Turkey Day remains trouble free, here are a few safety tips:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey, and check on it frequently.
• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.

• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
• Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
• Keep knives out of the reach of children.
• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave a lit candle unattended nor sleep while candles are lit.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
• If you have a small grease fire on your stovetop and decide to fight it, smother the flames with a lid cover and turn off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. If the grease fire is in the oven, close the door and turn the oven off.
• Keep a Class ABC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher handy in the event you have a growing grease fire.  NEVER use water to try to extinguish a grease fire. If you ever have doubts about fighting a small fire get out of your house and call 9-1-1. (Source: NFPA)  Finally…USE EXTREME CAUTION IF YOU PLAN TO DEEP FRY YOUR TURKEY

The NFPA has discouraged the use of turkey fryers citing the extreme danger if they are used improperly. 

If you choose to deep fry your turkey: 

• Keep the fryer outdoors, on a level surface and at least 10 feet from all combustible materials; preferably on a hard surface such as a driveway.
• Use an approved fryer. These have four legs, a built-in thermostat, and are stable. You should be easily able to measure the oil’s temperature while cooking it to prevent a fire.
• Follow all instructions. Even before turning the fryer on, make sure to read all of the instructions. Be careful when choosing the right size, how to cook the turkey, and what kind of oil to use with it.
• Thaw and dry out the turkey completely before frying!!
• Never leave the turkey fryer unattended! As soon as you turn the fryer on, never leave it alone. Also remember to use insulated gloves instead of oven mitts; the gloves have more insulation.
• Be careful of splashing oil! Make sure that the fryer is moved away from all combustible materials, including your property, grass, furnishings, etc.
• Follow these steps to make sure you use the proper amount of grease:
  • Place the turkey (still in its wrapper) in the pot.
  • Pour water in the pot until it just covers the turkey.
  • Take the turkey out of the pot.
  • On the outside of the pot, mark to water level with a marker
  • This marker represents the correct amount of grease you need in your pot

The post Key Fire Safety Reminders to Keep in Mind While Preparing Your Thanksgiving Feast appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.