On the early morning of April 4, 2024 the Columbia-Richland Fire Department lost our longtime photographer and loyal friend Robert Leroy Busbee.
Over the course of decades Mr. Busbee, who was known fondly as Buzz and by his department call sign ‘Photo 1,’ recorded the story of CRFD through the lens of his camera. He demonstrated an unwavering commitment and passion for Columbia’s history, its fire service and the dedicated men and women that through the years took the oath to serve here.
From major fires to amazing rescues, the images Mr. Busbee captured truly illustrate the spirit of what it means to be a Columbia firefighter.
Born in West Columbia Buzz was the son of the late Leroy and Mamie Huggins Busbee and the husband of Vivian Smith Busbee whom he affectionately called “Buddy.” He was a member of West Columbia Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir.
Upon graduation from Brookland-Cayce High School, he went to work in the Columbia Mill. He was drafted in the US Army in 1953 and after serving he returned to the Mill and worked until its closing in 1981. He was instrumental in the old mill eventually becoming the South Carolina State Museum. Buzz also worked as a computer programmer for the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles and in the banking sector.
He was a skilled photographer with a passion for capturing the bravery and determination of firefighters in the line of duty. For Buzz, it was more than a photo. He was meticulous in cataloging each picture in order to preserve the history of the Columbia-Richland Fire Department. This passion led him to become the official photographer for CRFD in 1991, earning the title of ‘Photo 1’. Throughout his time with the department, Buzz captured well over 25,000 photos of fires and his work was featured in several national magazines. He was also instrumental in getting our department’s fire museum off the ground as a member of its organizing board.
Buzz also enjoyed classical music and had a wealth of knowledge of Columbia’s history.
