2 0 2 5 A N N U A L R E P O R T
IN THIS REPORT
MESSAGE FROM CHIEF BLANKENSHIP
PERSONNEL ACHIEVEMENTS
MAP OF FIRE RESCUE FACILITIES
STATIONS & FACILITIES
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
OPERATIONS
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE
SAFETY & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
SPECIAL OPERATIONS TEAMS
911 COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION
COMMUNITY OUTREACH & RECRUITMENT
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
FLEET MAINTENANCE
FIRE RESCUE ACCOMPLISHMENTS
WHAT THE COMMUNITY SAYS ABOUT FIRE RESCUE
FROM THE CHIEF
As we reflect on 2025, this year marked a pivotal step forward for our organization—one defined by intentional growth, strengthened leadership, and a renewed commitment to who we are and how we serve. While our mission to preserving life, protecting property, and conserving the environment remains constant, the way we lead, support one another, and live our values continues to evolve.
A central focus this year was strengthening leadership at every level of the organization. We invested in developing current and future leaders by emphasizing accountability, clear communication, and decisionmaking grounded in service. Leadership is not confined to rank or title; it is demonstrated daily through professionalism, mentorship, and the willingness to step forward when our community and our colleagues need us most.
Equally important was the work we undertook to develop and define our core values. Through collaboration and reflection, we clarified the principles that guide our actions—values that shape our culture, influence our decisions, and reinforce the trust placed in us by the community. These values are more than words; they are expectations we hold ourselves to and a standard by which we measure our success.
As we move into the future, we do so with a stronger foundation, unified purpose, and a clear understanding of what we stand for. I am proud of the dedication, resilience, and leadership demonstrated by our members throughout 2025, and I am confident that our continued focus on leadership and values will ensure lasting excellence in service to our community.
Chris Blankenship, Fire Chief
WE ARE COMMITTED TO SERVING OUR CITIZENS AND VISITORS BY PRESERVING LIFE, PROTECTING PROPERTY, AND CONSERVING THE ENVIRONMENT.
TO STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE IN ALL THAT WE DO!
TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH:
COMPASSION INTEGRITY TEAMWORK
Steve Fierro 25 Years of Service
Norma Foley 22 Years of Service
Peduzzi 27 Years of Service
E W H I R E S
Ryan Bohr Firefighter
Wyatt Haroutunian Firefighter
Donald Carroll Firefighter Ethan Land Firefighter
Jadiel Santana Firefighter
Marty Manning Senior Firefighter Haley Becker
Monique
Max Peterson Lieutenant
Christopher Wilshusen 911 Supervisor
Jonas Wellan Senior Firefighter
Jenna Cosgrove 911 Telecommunicator
Jonathan Godfrey Firefighter
Jasper Reinhardt Firefighter
Tyler Smith Mechanic
Megan Gentile Community Risk Reduction Specialist
Zach Elicks Firefighter
Caleb Norwood Firefighter
Brendan Wilkerson Firefighter
Thomas Schilling Firefighter
Samantha Foster 911 Telecommunicator
Courtney Rogers 911 Telecommunicator
Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue is proud to be a Resuscitation Academy Lighthouse Community. 1 of only 11 in the nation, this designation is awarded to agencies that have proven to be the best in out of hospital cardiac arrest care.
Scantolearnmoreaboutour
Cardiac Arrest Survivors 2X the National Average Cardiac Arrest Save Rate
SAFETY & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
37,537 11% 69% 7% 5% 8% Total Training Hours Company Training Hours
23,185 Hours In Total Physical Fitness 2,080 1,619 Rescue 2,309 HazMat 3,219 EMS 20,160 Fire
THE EVERYDAY LEADER
Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue strengthened its commitment to culture by design through multiple sessions of The Everyday Leader program.
Members explored the three levels of leadership self, team, and organization reinforcing that leadership is defined by behavior, not rank. Through assessments and guided discussion, participants developed greater self-awareness and improved communication across shifts and divisions.
"The Everyday Leader workshop allowed me the opportunity to learn my own leadership style and how I can support and develop employees of differing styles. It provided insight on how we react to and handle stressful situations."
-911 Supervisor Christopher Wilshusen
South Carolina Task Force 4 (SC-TF4) is proud to be the only NIMS Type IV accredited Urban Search and Rescue team in South Carolina. This designation reflects rigorous national standards for training, operational readiness, equipment, and team coordination.
2007 E-One Custom Hazmat Truck Houses equipment for
materials calls for both on-island and regional response. HazMat-2 is also part of SCHM-4 which is the SC Regional Response Team for the Low Country.
1,400
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
THE STRENGTH OF HILTON HEAD ISLAND FIRE RESCUE EXTENDS FAR BEYOND OUR STATIONS. OUR WORK IS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH MEANINGFUL PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS, BUSINESSES, SCHOOLS, AND AGENCIES THAT SHARE OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY, SERVICE, AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH & RECRUITMENT
2
3
New partnerships to enhance events and programs
New partnerships to enhance
events and programs
3,471 2
Community presentations demonstrating Fire Rescue’s impact within our community Communitypresentationsdemonstrating FireRescue’simpactwithinourcommunity
33
New programs to build awareness of
Fire Rescue‘s programs and services
New programs to build awareness of Fire Rescue‘s programs and services
Community events attended or hosted Community events attended or hosted
MARKETING
Total Facebook Followers: 5,832
New Facebook Followers in 2025: 1,800
1.4 Million Page & Profile Impressions 198% Increase from 2024
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Convection
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Received Gold Mission Lifeline EMS Award from the American Heart Association for our commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients.
Adopted a comprehensive 5-year implementation plan for Fire Rescue’s Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) Drone Program. Transitioned 22 Town Park AEDs into new boxes outside of the restrooms to enhance accessibility.
Welcomed Dr. Erica McEnery to our Medical Control Physician team!
Through South Carolina Opioid Recover Funding, established a substance Abuse & Mental Health Management Team to educate and connect, reducing repeat overdoses and EMS system reliance.
Your Voice, Our Mission: Community Insights That Drive Excellence
“Excellent response and interaction with entire crew. Great communication skills.”
“I was very fortunate to have been chosen for the Beaufort County CERT Training. All of the Hilton Head Instructors were well-versed and gave effective presentations.”
“I cannot emphasize enough how professional these 3 men were. They were on the spot within 5 minutes and did their job so efficiently. I am so grateful. Please put this on their files and they deserve praise for their diligent work.”
“The team saved my life. I am very thankful!”
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