Abbeville County Fire Service

“It’s the start that stops most people” - but not in Abbeville County, South Carolina!

National Volunteer Fire Council

A challenge, a commitment and thousands of steps: Abbeville firefighters take on wellness challenge The goal isn’t to win a competition.

SALUDA COUNTY - The Carolina Brotherhood- Honoring The Fallen & Their Families is an annual bicycle ride by first responders that honors the fallen in both South and North Carolina.

This year it starts in Saluda County and will end 435 miles from there in Charlotte by way of the North Carolina mountain towns of Brevard, Franklin and Asheville.

The Abbeville County Fire Coordinator is participating as a rider in this event along with almost 20 other cyclists and multiple support staff.

Through every mile ridden, the memories and sacrifices of these heroes are carried forward and never forgotten.

Please join us in supporting and praying for these families, departments and the participants of the Carolina Brotherhood Ride.

You can follow their page for more details and updates.

Today, we honor the fathers of the Abbeville County Fire Service and all fathers throughout our community.

Thank you for your strength, leadership, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to your families.

Whether at home or serving others, fathers lead by example and help shape the next generation through hard work, integrity, and love.

From our fire service family to yours, we wish you a safe, happy, and blessed Father’s Day!

CALHOUN FALLS - Today, members of the Abbeville County Fire Service were honored to participate in the funeral service for Calhoun Falls Fire Department Fire Chief Darrell Manning.

Chief Manning dedicated 54 years to serving his community and the fire service.

It was our privilege to stand alongside firefighters from across the region to pay our respects and honor a life devoted to helping others.

We extend our deepest condolences to Chief Manning’s family, friends, and the members of the Calhoun Falls Fire Department.

His legacy of service and commitment will not be forgotten.

Rest easy, Chief.

Special thank you to Iva Fire Department for covering the Town of Calhoun Falls during the service.

We also wish to recognize City of Abbeville and Due West Fire-Rescue for sending their ladder trucks for display of the American flag and Abbeville County 911 for conducting the radio final call.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” - Psalm 46:1

CHARLESTON - Overnight, the Abbeville County Fire Service stood in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of the Charleston Fire Department as they maintain the solemn tradition of Standing Watch at the Charleston 9 Memorial for the next 24 hours.

Nineteen years have passed, but the sacrifice of these nine firefighters is never forgotten.

The Watch continues as a reminder that their service, courage, and sacrifice remain etched in the hearts of the fire service family.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

Captain Mike Benke
Captain Louis Mulkey
Captain William Hutchinson
Engineer Bradford Baity
Engineer Mark Kelsey
Assistant Engineer Michael French
Firefighter Melvin Champaign
Firefighter Brandon Thompson
Firefighter James “Earl” Drayton

CALHOUN FALLS - Our prayers go out to the family of Chief Darrell Manning along with the members of the Calhoun Falls Fire Department.

We stand with you now and in the days and weeks to come.

Rest In Peace, 1201.

We are saddened to announce the loss of a revered member of our department. Darrell Manning served not only as our chief but also as a trusted friend, confidant, and family member to all who served. He embarked on his fire service career 54 years ago, dedicating his life to the department and the community he profoundly cared for. Following the passing of Buddy Hagood, he assumed the role of fire chief in January 2000, serving with distinction for 26 years. During his tenure, he mentored numerous individuals who joined our ranks, guiding multiple generations of firefighters. His departure will be deeply felt by all.

ABBEVILLE - We were honored to attend the Abbeville County Employee Appreciation Luncheon today.

It was a great opportunity to recognize the dedicated employees who work behind the scenes every day to serve our community.

Thank you to our volunteers and all Abbeville County employees for your hard work and commitment to public service!

DUE WEST - Today, members of ACERT Special Operations completed their annual swim test as part of maintaining operational readiness for our SCUBA Dive Team.

The annual swim evaluation helps ensure divers possess the physical fitness, endurance, and water confidence necessary to safely perform underwater search, rescue, and recovery operations.

Regular proficiency testing is a critical component of dive team readiness and reinforces our commitment to providing professional service to the citizens we serve.

We appreciate the dedication of our divers who continually train and challenge themselves to maintain the highest standards of safety and performance.

Thank you also to Erskine College for use of their swimming pool!

SHARON - Just past 4PM this afternoon, Abbeville County 911 received notification of a brush fire in the 100 Block of Sherard Circle in the Sharon Heights Community.

Sharon Fire Rescue (Station #1), Long Cane VFD (Station #8) & Bethia VFD (Station #14) were dispatched to respond.

Upon arrival, our volunteers were able to handle a brush/woods fire that began along a ditch line and climbed into a small area of woods.

No real property was affected.

Abbeville County Department of Public Safety (ACEMS) Medic #3 was on medical standby for our members. There were no injuries.

All ACFS units have returned to service.

As a new school year approaches, many families in our community are working hard to make sure their children are ready for the classroom. That's why the Abbeville County Department of Public Safety Back to School Supply Drive is so important.

Something as simple as a backpack, notebook, or pack of pencils can make a real difference in a student's confidence and ability to start the year prepared. For some families, those supplies can be a challenge to afford, and this drive helps ensure that every child has the tools they need to succeed.

The strength of Abbeville County has always been found in neighbors helping neighbors. By supporting this supply drive, we're investing in our students, encouraging their success, and showing them that their community believes in them.

Thank you to everyone who donates, volunteers, and helps make this effort possible. Together, we can help our children start the school year ready to learn, grow, and thrive.



Abbeville County School District
Abbeville County 911
Abbeville County Sheriff's Office
Sharon Fire Rescue
Cold Spring Fire and Rescue
ANTREVILLE FIRE DEPT.
Lowndesville FD
Keowee Station 5 FD
Edgewood Fire/Rescue
Donalds Fire Department
Long Cane VFD
Monterey VFD
Due West Fire-Rescue
Broadmouth-Turkey Creek VFD
Calhoun Falls Fire Department
McGill VFD
Bethia VFD
McKee VFD
Diamond Hill VFD
ACERT Special Operations
Abbeville County EMA