CONWAY, SC (WBTW) – Dozens of Horry County firefighters officially took the next step in their careers Friday night.
Horry County Fire Rescue swore 44 firefighters into new roles during a promotion ceremony at the Horry County Museum. Family members and friends pinned badges on many of the firefighters.
Chief Joseph Tanner says loved ones are an important part of the HCFR team.
“The families are what gives us the support that we need moving forward,“ said Chief Tanner. “We bring the families in, and we honor them as much as we do those that we hire and that we promote.“
Firefighter Beth Petty was a special surprise guest, sharing one of her past hobbies by singing the national anthem. Petty was hit by a passing car while assisting at the scene of a deadly crash on U.S. Highway 501 near Conbraco Circle, early in the morning on New Year’s Day.
Petty says she’s done computer work for HCFR during her recovery and stopped needing her crutches last week. She says she hopes to resume her full duties as a firefighter/EMT by the end of May.
Chief Tanner says Friday’s promotion ceremony shows the growth in HCFR’s administration and all four battalions.
“What you see tonight are those people who have been in our system for a while being promoted up to our next level of leadership, continuing for years to come,“ he said.
Horry County Fire Rescue will also have a graduation next week for its class of volunteer firefighters and graduation for new career firefighters in two weeks.
