7 Critical Facts About Colleton Fire And Rescue's Elite ISO Class 3 Operations And 2025 Incidents
Colleton County Fire-Rescue (CCFR) stands as a pillar of public safety in the South Carolina Lowcountry, continually adapting to the complex demands of a growing rural community. As of December 21, 2025, the department remains at the forefront of all-hazards response, evidenced by its prestigious operational ratings and a relentless schedule of high-stakes incidents throughout 2025. This article dives deep into the organization’s current structure, its elite classification, and the recent emergency calls that define its commitment to the residents of Colleton County.
The agency’s operational excellence is not a matter of chance; it is the result of strategic leadership, rigorous training, and a deep investment in advanced resources. From managing complex multi-vehicle collisions requiring specialized extrication to maintaining one of the best fire-safety classifications in the state, CCFR’s dual role in fire suppression and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) makes it one of the most dynamic emergency service providers in the region.
Colleton Fire-Rescue's Leadership and Operational Profile
Colleton County Fire-Rescue is a comprehensive, community-based, all-hazards department that provides a wide range of services to its rural community. The department is a vital part of the Colleton County Fire District, operating from an extensive network of stations to ensure broad coverage across the South Carolina Lowcountry. The agency's dedication is reflected in its key leadership and impressive operational statistics.
- Fire Chief: Barry McRoy. Chief McRoy has been a cornerstone of the department, faithfully serving the community since 1991 and holding the role of Fire Chief since 1995. He is widely regarded as a "true firefighters' Chief" for his hands-on approach and dedication.
- Deputy Chief: Dr. David A. Greene. Dr. Greene is a key figure in the command structure, also playing a critical role within the department’s Emergency Management Division, coordinating the county's preparedness and recovery operations.
- Assistant Chief: Marty Stallings.
- Fire Marshal: S. Michael Banks (also a Battalion Chief). The Fire Marshal’s office is responsible for fire prevention, inspections, and investigations within the Fire District.
- Operational Footprint: CCFR operates from an impressive total of 35 fire stations, ensuring rapid response times across the large geographical area of Colleton County.
The Elite ISO Class 3 Rating and Its Community Impact
One of the most significant indicators of CCFR's operational strength is its coveted ISO Class 3 Fire Department rating. This classification, awarded by the Insurance Services Office (ISO), is a crucial measure of a fire department's ability to protect its community.
What the ISO Class 3 Rating Means for Colleton County
The ISO Public Protection Classification (PPC) system ranges from Class 1 (best) to Class 10 (worst). CCFR's Class 3 rating is a testament to the department’s superior capabilities and is a massive improvement from the historical Class 7 rating achieved by the Colleton Rural Fire Department in 1988. The achievement of this rating is based on three main criteria:
- Emergency Communications: The effectiveness of the county's emergency reporting and dispatch system.
- Fire Department Operations: This includes the number of personnel, their training, the distribution of the 35 fire stations, and the water-carrying capacity of their apparatus, such as the E-One fire trucks.
- Water Supply: The adequacy and reliability of the water system for fire suppression.
The primary benefit of the ISO Class 3 rating is financial. A better PPC rating often leads to significantly lower property insurance premiums for homeowners and businesses within the Colleton County Fire District, saving the community potentially millions of dollars annually. This rating confirms that CCFR’s training, equipment, and water supplies meet a national standard of excellence, providing peace of mind and economic advantage to its residents.
2025’s High-Stakes Incidents and Specialized Capabilities
The year 2025 has been marked by numerous complex and challenging calls that highlight CCFR’s advanced training and use of specialized equipment. The department’s personnel—including career firefighters and dedicated volunteers—are regularly tested by the diverse hazards of the county, from highway collisions on Green Pond Hwy (SC Hwy 303) to structure fires and natural disaster responses.
Recent Critical Incidents (2025)
- Fatal Multi-vehicle MCI (July 23, 2025): A Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) involving a fatal multi-vehicle collision required a highly coordinated response, with crews facing four separate entrapments. This incident demonstrated the critical need for a well-trained division of labor at complex scenes.
- High-Speed MVC with Multiple Injuries (November 30, 2025): An incident involving eight injured people, including four adults and four children, required the assignment of three separate MAV Medic Units (utilizing Kenworth Chasis). This highlights CCFR’s dual role as a primary provider of Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
- Complex Vehicle Extrication (September 13, 2025): Firefighter-Paramedics utilized multiple Holmatro Pentheon Rescue Tools—advanced hydraulic rescue equipment—to successfully extricate a pickup truck driver who had sustained multiple traumatic injuries. The proficiency with these cutting-edge tools is vital for saving lives in serious motor vehicle accidents.
- Structure Fire and Rescue (December 04, 2025): Crews successfully deployed multiple handlines to extinguish a fire while simultaneously entering the structure to rescue and treat a woman, showcasing their proficiency in both fire suppression and patient care.
Commitment to Public Safety and Future Generations
Beyond emergency response, Colleton Fire-Rescue is deeply invested in preventing emergencies and fostering the next generation of public safety professionals. This commitment earned them the prestigious 2024 Fire Safe Community Designation from the South Carolina Fire Marshal's Office for the fourth consecutive year.
Key Community and Training Initiatives
- Fire and Life Safety Education: CCFR runs several robust Public Education Programs designed to prevent injury or death, including teaching vital skills like CPR classes to community members.
- CERT Program: The department sponsors a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). This program trains citizens to assist in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, significantly enhancing the county’s overall resilience.
- Explorer Program: This initiative is crucial for recruiting and training future firefighters. Young people aged 14 through 17 are allowed to complete some firefighting courses through the South Carolina Fire Academy, providing them with invaluable early experience and mentorship.
- Training Excellence: The department emphasizes that continuous training is key to protecting firefighters and effectively extinguishing fires, a principle reinforced by a FEMA report on the importance of an effective Division of labor on Incidents.
Colleton Fire and Rescue continues to be a benchmark for excellence in the Lowcountry, with its ISO Class 3 rating, cutting-edge equipment, and dedicated team of leaders and first responders ensuring the safety and well-being of the entire Colleton County community.
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