Community Comes Together for Fire Service Blessing in West Columbia
On a beautiful evening in West Columbia, members of the community embraced the warmth of both the weather and each other as they gathered to celebrate an important milestone for the Lexington County Fire Service (LCFS). As the sun set on October 21, 2024, the air was filled with laughter and joy, making it the perfect backdrop for the blessing of the LCFS’ new fleet of emergency vehicles.
A Special Blessing
This heartfelt event kicked off with Chaplain Dave DeDonato offering a prayer of blessing over the new vehicles and the dedicated firefighters who operate them. “We want to ensure that these vehicles and the brave men and women who use them are safe while they serve our community,” said DeDonato during the blessing ceremony.
New Fleet for Our Heroes
LCFS Chief Mark Davis took the opportunity to introduce the impressive new lineup of five vehicles that will serve various areas of Lexington County, including Gilbert, Gaston, Chapin, Lake Murray, and Hollow Creek. “We hope the taxpayers of Lexington County can see where their dollars are going,” Chief Davis stated proudly. “These new pieces of equipment have been long-awaited, particularly after the backlog experienced during COVID.”
He emphasized the support from the community, saying, “The county and taxpayers have invested a significant amount into modernizing our fire service, and tonight is a chance to say thank you and let the kids explore the trucks!” There was excitement in the air as families gathered around the new engines, eager to climb aboard and learn about what firefighters do day in and day out.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
Among the fleet was a special white 50th-anniversary truck, which boasts a design that pays tribute to the older LCFS fire engines. “This truck is a testament to those early volunteers who helped launch the fire service,” Chief Davis noted with a smile, cherishing the history behind the modern advancements.
Fire Prevention Month
As if this event wasn’t meaningful enough, October is also Fire Prevention Month. Chief Davis took the time to remind families about crucial home fire safety practices. “We cover the largest response area in the state and it’s essential that we work together to keep our community safe,” emphasized Davis, acknowledging the thousands of emergency calls that LCFS handles each year.
A Heartfelt Thank You
With nearly 300 dedicated men and women in the fire service, Chief Davis expressed profound gratitude for their daily commitment. “The job they do is nothing short of amazing,” he stated. “Their hard work makes my job as chief so much easier, and for that, I am deeply thankful.”
As the evening wound down, families left with smiles on their faces and a renewed sense of appreciation for the hard-working heroes in their community. Events like these are more than just gatherings; they strengthen community bonds and inspire the next generation of firefighters. Chief Davis hopes that events such as this will encourage families to engage in fire safety education while showing support to the brave individuals who serve selflessly in the fire service.
All in all, it was a heartwarming evening that brought together local residents, community leaders, and firefighters in an act of solidarity. Here’s to the Lexington County Fire Service and their continued commitment to keeping our homes and families safe!
