Courtesy photo
CLIO — This year the Clio Rural Fire Department is celebrating fifty years of fighting fires in service to the community.
Initially planned as a sister unit to the Clio Rescue Squad, planning stages for the new fire department were entered into over the summer of 1974.
According to Captain Donald Hamilton, the Clio Fire Department began holding regular meetings in January 1975, electing the following officers: J. Ray Hamer, Chief; Allan McDonald, Asst. Chief; Gene Bennett, Sec.-Treas; D.H. McQuage, Captain; Donald Floyd, Equipment Lieutenant; James Fender, Engineer.
Hamilton says other founding members of the department include Willie Woods, Mike Rogers, Frankie Hinson, Charles Hamer, Boyd Gandy, Nick McColl, Robert Graham, S.W. Hanke, Bobby McIntyre, Fred Clark and Clarence McLaurin.
State law dictates a fireman must be 18 years of age before they can legally fight a fire, and Hamilton says underage members at the time were: Randy Pate, Eddie Hamer, Kenny Hanke, and Mike Smith.
Hamilton says Clio’s pumper was a 49 Ford purchased from the McColl Fire Dept., adding other neighboring fire departments graciously chipped in with donations of much needed equipment.
By April 1, 1975, official operation of the Clio Fire Department had begun.
“In March of 1976 we pulled out from the Clio Rescue Squad and went on our own. At this time, we consisted of 17 firemen, a pumper and a tanker,” explains Hamilton.
He says following opening, the crew worked to secure enough money to build a fire station. Accomplished through a variety of creative means, Hamilton says the Clio Fire Department sponsored a membership drive, fly-in, bar-b-que, bake sale, raffling a cow, womenless wedding and donations.
“We were proud to hold our open house November 7, 1976. [Since then] different members have received training in L.P. gas fires, emergency first aid, cpr, emergency medical technician and basic firefighting,” says Hamilton, continuing, “Today, we receive calls by a radio system manned by the county jail. The number to call in case of fire is 479-2245.”
The CFD now consist of 20 firemen and are in the process of building a second fire truck. Hamilton says current members are J. Ray Hamer, Chief; Allan McDonald, Asst. Chief; Pat McColl, Sec; Carolyn Floyd, Tres; Charles Hamer, Captain; Donald Floyd, Equipment Lieutenant; James Fender, Chaplain, Gene Bennett, Boyd Gandy, Robert Gra Kenny Hanke, S.W. Hanke, Eddie Hamer, Frankie Hinson, John McColl, Nick McColl, D.H. McQuage, Doug Newton, Randy Pate, Mike Rogers and Timmy Hanke.
Hamilton says his department is proud of its new Eastside station.
“We have a great fleet of fire engines, a tower truck, a tanker, a highwater truck, and a brush truck. We have been blessed to have come this far in 50 years. It is something to be proud of and thankful for,” said Hamilton, adding, “A special thank you goes out to Marlboro County Council and Government, SC Foresty, SC state government, taxpayers, and The Marlboro General Hospital Charity Trust who we have established a relationship with recently and benefitted greatly from. They have provided funds for extrication equipment, tools, dual purpose gear, thermal imaging cameras, and various other lifesaving equipment throughout the county fire stations. We are most thankful for every dollar we receive and aim to provide an increased caliber of service because of it.”