Congratulations, Leadership Institute 2025!

March 5, 2026

The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association proudly recognized the graduates of the Leadership Institute 2025 class during its annual Legislative Day at the South Carolina State House. The graduating class completed a yearlong commitment to professional development focused on leadership, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of the diverse fire service landscape across the state.

Graduates in alphabetical order:

• Brad Belue, Parker District Fire Department
• Lee Clanton, West Columbia Fire Department
• Christopher Evans, Hanahan Fire Department
• Daniel Farrar, Myrtle Beach Fire Department
• Perry Gosnell, North Spartanburg Fire Department
• Bryson Jeffords, Dorchester County Fire Rescue
• Thomas Sidik, St. Andrews Fire Department
• Aaron Parris, Parker District Fire District
• John Ruston Smith, Dillon County Fire Station
• Brian Whittington, Myrtle Beach Fire Department

Over the past 12 months, participants engaged in an executive-level learning environment designed to strengthen leadership capacity within South Carolina’s fire service. The program emphasizes open communication, strategic thinking, and project-based learning, while exposing participants to the operational and administrative differences among fire departments statewide. The dedication and effort demonstrated by this class throughout the program reflect a strong commitment to advancing the fire service profession.

In addition to graduating the current Leadership Institute class, Leadership Institute 2026 cohort participants were recognized during Legislative Day.

Applications for Leadership Institute 2027 open in June 2026.