A total of 15 teenagers took part in two sessions of the academy that were held during the 2026 summer. Both sessions concluded with graduation exercises where the teens were congratulated by Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins and community leaders.

“I am thrilled that this summer program continues to have tremendous success each year thanks in large part to our partnership with the Columbia Urban League,” Chief Jenkins said, “Leaders there first came to us asking if we could build a program that would not only teach our youth about the fire service but also impart to them skills in life. Through the dedicated work that our members have put into the academy and the strong partnerships they have built with agencies across our state, this program continues to grow in its scope and I can’t wait to see what the future brings for it.”

Through the Columbia Urban League’s support each summer, CRFD’s Youth Empowerment Academy provides structured engaging learning experiences centered on the fire service and public safety education. Teens in each session of the program take part in hands-on activities, mentorship time and job-readiness training. The program offers an alternative educational approach designed to promote personal growth and career awareness.

Each session of this summer’s academy lasted two weeks with the first session beginning on Monday June 15. Nine teens completed that session and graduated on Friday June 26.

A second session of the academy began on Monday July 13 and concluded on Friday July 24 with six teens graduating.

2026 CRFD Youth Empowerment Academy

Graduation for Session 2 on Friday July 24, 2026

In addition to touring several CRFD facilities and stations and completing hands-on exercises at the department’s training grounds, participants in the academy also visited many other agencies and sites in Columbia and beyond. This included the South Carolina Fire Academy, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and college campus tours at Claflin University and Charleston Southern University.

CRFD wants to congratulate the following teens

that completed this summer’s CRFD Youth Empowerment Academy.

Session 1

          Kamren Bostic                                                           Chase Boyd

               Micah Bray                                                                     Joshua Brazzle

Nkeyah Gantt                                                                    Deniria Lorick

              Christopher Parker                                               Morgan Thompson

            Dante Williams

Session 2

                Parker Jordan                                                            Chandler Leonard

                 Jayla Mack                                                                  Makayla Mackey

                 Eva Marsh                                                              Miyah McDade

The post Fifteen Area Teens Learn Skills for Success at 2026 CRFD Youth Empowerment Academy appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.

The post Richland County Breaks Ground on New Fire Station for Upper Ballentine appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.

CRFD 1st Shift crews on Engine 1, Rescue 1, Engine 6 and Ladder 7 were selected to receive the prestigious Meritorious Award of the South Carolina State Firefighters Association. The award is presented to firefighters or fire departments, which have rendered services beyond the ordinary course of duty in an attempt to save a life.

All four companies took swift and decisive actions to rescue a man following a fiery motor vehicle accident that happened on I-126 in Columbia in March 2025. Many of the firefighters who were involved in the rescue were presented with the award during the conference’s awards banquet and transfer of command ceremony Saturday night June 13 in Myrtle Beach.

Honorees who were unable to attend the ceremony received their awards during a presentation at CRFD Headquarters on June 17.

CRFD 1^st Shift members on Ladder 7 and Engine 6 receive the SCSFA Meritorious Award during a presentation at CRFD Headquarters on Wednesday June 17.

“Our firefighters overcame a lot of challenges when they responded to that call last year,’’ said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “The car involved left I-126 where the interstate spans the Broad River. After it left the roadway, the vehicle plummeted off the bridge, crashed near the riverbank below and caught fire on impact. Companies who were first on scene had to come up with an effective response plan quickly to give them the best chance to save this man’s life.’’

I-126 Vehicle Wreck – March 12, 2025

Responding crews were able to get access to the crash site using the city’s river walk. Firefighters also worked from the bridge above to put out the vehicle fire and repel down needed supplies to the scene.

“We had Ladder 7 there and they ended up repelling down with some equipment to help assist the guys who were already down there working on the entrapment.’’ Rescue 1 Captain Chris Byrd said the day of the incident, “We took (the driver) down the riverwalk. EMS actually drove the ambulance straight towards (the scene).’’

Crews were able to extricate the driver from the vehicle and hand him off to Richland County EMS for transport to an area hospital.  He would go on to survive the incident. Following a lengthy hospital stay, multiple surgeries and physical therapy, he has been able to recover and regain his mobility through use of a prosthetic. He was on hand to congratulate the firefighters at the awards banquet.

“I am truly proud of the work our members put together in their response to this call,’’ Chief Jenkins, ‘’it demonstrates the constant training that our firefighters undertake and how that training and dedication to their crafts pays off. They truly are deserving of this honor for the difference they made on that fateful day last year.’’

CRFD 1^st Shift members on Engine 1, Rescue 1, Ladder 7 and Engine 6 receive the Meritorious Award from the South Carolina State Firefighters Association during their annual awards banquet.

This is the second time in four years that CRFD firefighters have been recognized with the Meritorious Award. During SCSFA’s conference in 2022, companies with the department received two of the awards. Nine CRFD firefighters received one ‘Meritorious Award’ for their work rescuing a mother and her child from a fast-moving house fire that happened in February of 2021. Both victims were found unconscious in the home by firefighters and quickly moved out of the structure through a window as conditions inside deteriorated. Firefighters then began performing CPR on both patients until EMS transported them from the scene. While the child unfortunately passed away days later the mother did survive the incident.

The second ‘Meritorious Award’ was presented to CRFD 1st Shift crews that responded to a water rescue on the Broad River in August of 2020. The incident unfolded when a teenage boy fell on the low head dam near the Columbia Canal and his foot became entrapped in rocks and debris beneath the surface of the water. Fire crews worked for a period of several hours to free the teen and get him to safety all while the water level on the river was rising and weather conditions deteriorated. The teen escaped the incident with no injuries.

CRFD would like to congratulate the following firefighters for being selected to receive the Meritorious Award this year from the South Carolina State Firefighters Association.

Rescue Company 1 (1^st Shift)                Engine Company 1 (1^st Shift)

Fire Captain Christopher Byrd                    Fire Captain Nicholas Branham

Engineer Campbell Jacobs                         Engineer Nicholas Finley

Senior Firefighter Ryan Espling                  Senior Firefighter Desiree Colon

Senior Firefighter Zachary Finch                 Firefighter Cameron Jones

Ladder Company 7 (1^st Shift)                Engine Company 6 (1^st Shift)

Fire Captain Blake Cartee                         Fire Captain Davis Taylor

Engineer Richard Shell                              Engineer Sean Stephens

Senior Firefighter Cameron Ingram            Senior Firefighter Alexander Papalazarou

Firefighter Taylor Crews                            Firefighter Jackson Rish

The post 1st Shift Firefighters Receive State Award for Lifesaving Rescue appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.

A total of six senior firefighters, 11 engineers, eight fire captains and two new battalion chiefs were recognized at the department’s Spring Promotional Ceremony on the evening of June 10. In the first half of the year the department also promoted a new training officer as well as a senior deputy fire marshal in our Fire Prevention Division. The promotional ceremony was held at the Busby Street Community Center where Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins presented badges to many of the honorees before their family and friends.

“As chief of the department I have two great moments I take pride in. The first is when I get to present badges to new firefighters with CRFD when they graduate our academy and the second is when I get to badge them after they earn promotions,” Chief Jenkins said, “Tonight’s ceremony was a true testament to the dedication that all of these firefighters have shown to furthering their skills, growing in their leadership abilities and serving our citizens. I am excited for all of them as they take these next steps in their fire service careers.”

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

Promoted to Senior Firefighter

Career Members

Clayton Alnor                            William Close                     Azende Dixon

Anthony Grant                          Andrew Litchult                  William Winstead

(From left: Senior Firefighter Azende Dixon & Senior Firefighter William Winstead with CRFD Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins)

Promoted to Engineer

Ryan Boyle                    Donovan Boatwright                    Jason Bordeaux

Gary Gardner                 Benjamin Hogue                         Joseph Irons

Cruz Mata                      John Paparella                            Dustin Parthemore

Peyton Simien                David Vega

(From left: Engineer Gary Gardner & Engineer Joseph Irons with CRFD Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins)

Promoted to Fire Captain

Javier Colon                   John Douglass                           Jack Harle

Nicholas McDowell          Andrew McKinney                      Eduardo Ramirez

John Stulpin                  Garrit Van Amerongen

(From left: Fire Captain Javier Colon & Fire Captain Jack Harle with CRFD Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins)

Promoted to Fire Training Officer

Chad Alexander

Promoted to Senior Deputy Fire Marshal

Joshua Ballard

Promoted to Battalion Chief

Steven Buff

Paul Morris

To view more photos from the ceremony, click here!

The post 29 CRFD Firefighters Recognized at Spring Promotional Ceremony appeared first on Columbia Fire Department.

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.

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.

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.

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.