Members of the Columbia-Richland Fire Department honored three students at Dreher High School for the quick actions they took to aid a neighbor who was in need.
“I am so appreciative for what they did,” said Donna McIntosh Aiken, “Had it not been for them, I may have lost my home.”
(Dreher High School students being recognized at the Richland One School Board Meeting
on February 25, 2025)
On the evening of Monday February 10, 2025 Aiken had a fire break out on the stovetop of her Blossom Street house. She did not know how to use her fire extinguisher so she rushed outside the property seeking help.
Luckily at that time teens Micah Roth, Eliza Jones and Hampton Rogers were all passing by the home on a run. Aiken said they quickly jumped into action to assist her.
Roth took the fire extinguisher and put the fire out on the stovetop while the other students tried to help Aiken get her pet out of the property. Once the fire was out the students continued on their run.
Minutes later CRFD Ladder 9 and Engine 2 arrived on scene. Firefighters ventilated the home to clear out smoke and successfully rescued Aiken’s pet.
“When the account of what these students did got out we just knew we had to do something to recognize them,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “We are glad they had the knowledge of how to properly use a fire extinguisher and the ability to judge the risks of the situation. These teens did an admirable job helping their neighbor when she was in a dire situation. We very well may have three future CRFD firefighters in the making!”
On February 25 Chief Jenkins and members of Ladder 9 and Engine 2-1st Shift attended the meeting of the Richland One School Board to present the students with certificates of recognition from the department. Roth, Jones and Rogers were also recognized by the school district for their actions.
The Columbia-Richland Fire Department is happy to provide fire extinguisher training to any of our citizens who would like to learn. To inquire about opportunities for fire extinguisher instruction call the department at (803)545-3700 Monday through Friday or send a message to us through our website at www.colafire.net .
(left: Fire Chief Jenkins addresses attendees at the Richland One School Board Meeting February 25, 2025 – right: Dreher High School Students Eliza Jones, Micah Roth and Hampton Rogers stand with Donna McIntosh Aiken)
