The Richard S. Campbell award began in 1991 to recognize fire departments for their commitment and dedication to public education in fire safety for the citizens of South Carolina.
Richard S. Campbell served as the State Fire Marshal for many years and was regarded as being the states leader in public fire education. He continuously promoted fire education and the Fire Marshal's office in South Carolina. He was personally offended that South Carolina was ranked one of the highest fire death rates in the nation. He took this fact as a challenge and demanded that the Fire Marshals office take a more proactive approach toward fire education, and the difference was made. In 1981, he and his staff of 22 began vigorously enforcing the adopted codes through code enforcement and education. By 1991, his staff was increased to 78 positions and the state was moving forward. His Deputies enforced locked exits, alarm systems, day cares, inadequate construction, LP gas, and of course fire & life safety education.
In addition, Richard S. Campbell was an instrumental part of developing the S.C. Fire Academy and thus producing the caliber of firefighters we have today.
This award is presented by the South Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs.
The award currently recognizes three categories:
Departments with a population under 10,000
Departments with a population between 10,000 and 35,000
Departments with a population over 35,000
________________________
Past Recipients
2004
Horry County Fire Rescue (over 35,000)
Midway Fire Rescue (10,000 to 35,000)
Georgetown City Fire Department (under 10,000)
2003
Mt. Pleasant Fire Department (over 35,000)
Aiken Department of Public Safety (10,000 to 35,000)
2002
Myrtle Beach Fire Department (over 35,000)
Camden Fire Department (10,000 to 35,000)
Chester Fire Department (under 10,000)
2001
Rock Hill Fire Department (over 35,000)
Newberry Fire Department (10,000 to 35,000)
Marion Fire Department (under 10,000)
2000
Myrtle Beach Fire Department (over 35,000)
Hartsville Fire Department (10,000 to 35,000)
C&B Fire Department (under 10,000)
1999
Richland County Fire Department (over 35,000)
Midway Fire Department (10,000 to 35,000)
Sullivan's Island Fire Department (under 10,000)
1998
Horry County Fire Rescue
1997
Camden Fire Department
1996
Mount Pleasant Fire Department
1995
Columbia Fire Department
1994
Chester Fire Department
1993
Myrtle Beach Fire Department
1992
Greer Fire Department
1991
Belton fire Department