Promotions & Recognitions
We have a new Lieutenant
Firefighter Chris Hammond was promoted to Lieutenant. He will serve as a part-time shift supervisor and company officer and will oversee our medical response program. He has been with Goose Creek Rural since August 2022. His current full-time job is as a Lead EMT for Charleston County EMS. He started there in November 2022. Previously he worked for the St. Johns Fire Department from 2014-2021.
Meet our new Engineers
Firefighter Matthew Rossello was promoted to Engineer. He will serve as a part-time Apparatus Operator and backup shift supervisor. He has been with Goose Creek Rural since October 2022. He is currently a Captain with the James Island Public Service District where he has been since 2010.
Firefighter Tim Potter (pictured left) was promoted to Engineer. He will serve as a part-time Apparatus Operator and backup shift supervisor. He is on his second stint with Goose Creek Rural having been a member from 2003 to 2011. Tim returned in October 2018. He is currently a Back-Up Driver with the Town of Moncks Corner Fire Department. He started there in February 2022. Tim started in emergency services as a volunteer with the Danbury VFD in North Carolina in 1996. He also served with the Stokes County Mountain Rescue Squad starting in 1998. He left both organizations in 2001 when he relocated to South Carolina. Tim also worked for the North Charleston Fire Department from 2010 to 2018.
Firefighter Andrew Virtue (pictured right) was promoted to Engineer. He will serve as a part-time Apparatus Operator and backup shift supervisor. He has been with Goose Creek Rural since September 2022. He is currently a Firefighter with the St. Paul’s Fire Department where he has been since July 2022. Andrew started as a volunteer at the Woodruff Fire Department in 2013 and worked at the North Spartanburg Fire Department as a full-time Firefighter from 2015 until 2019. Andrew also worked as a part-time Firefighter for the Lauren County Fire Service starting in 2016. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2018.
Introducing Our New Deputy Chief
A big congratulations to Corey Dickerson on being promoted to our new Deputy Chief.
Deputy Chief Dickerson is a second-generation firefighter following in the steps of his father. In May of 2007, Deputy Chief Dickerson graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and a minor in Mathematics. He was hired by Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR) Center Charleston, as a Computer Engineer and Project Manager. Deputy Chief Dickerson has been a member of the Goose Creek Rural Fire Department since June of 2007 where he has held the rank of Firefighter, Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Chief. Deputy Chief served as the Department Training Officer from 2015 to 2020. Deputy Chief Dickerson is supported by his wife Lynette and son Harper. When he is not designing and managing communication systems for the Department of Navy or volunteering with the fire service, you’ll find Deputy Chief Dickerson training as an endurance athlete competing in road races, marathons, and Ironman-style Triathlons to maintain a healthy lifestyle, setting a positive example for those around him.
Recognition of Service
Salute to Battalion Chief Gary Melton—recently recognized by Chief Maibach for 15 years of service. Battalion Chief Melton is also the Goose Creek Fire Marshal. Thank you for being the Goose Creek Difference, sir!
From Pro-b to Firefighter
Congratulations to Sarah Coker, Gamal Coles, Cordie Dorman, Jim Dzurica, Josh Goff, and Colin Sihabouth. All six recently completed probationary requirements and all six have been promoted to Firefighter. Good luck to all and thank you for being the Goose Creek Difference!
More Promotions
We’re excited to recognize Shaun Kennett, Cody Marlow, and James Rourk on being promoted to Lieutenant.
Congratulations and thank you for being the Goose Creek Difference!
The GCRFD made a big difference in 2022.
On Jan 21, 2023 we honored all of our heroes at the annual awards banquet.
Check out our honorees and some highlights from the evening!
Congratulations
Assistant Chief Andrew Stevanus!
A message from Chief Maibach
Assistant Chief Stevanus has been a member of the department since January 2009. He was promoted to Engineer in 2011 and appointed Assistant Chief in February 2015.
He was recognized as the Firefighter of the Year in 2010 and earned Life Member status in 2020.
During his time with our department Assistant Chief Stevanus has been an important part of the command staff, both administratively and operationally. As a mechanic with extensive experience and certifications he has ably managed our fleet, assisting not only in the sale of previously owned apparatus but also developing the specifications for those replacement apparatus.
Assistant Chief Stevanus was an integral part of the design and construction of Squad 301 and Engine 302.
He also has been leading the committee that is developing the specifications for what we hope will be a replacement for Tower 301 in the future.
Assistant Chief Stevanus began his career on August 5, 1984, with the New Centerville (PA) Volunteer Fire Company in Somerset County. Beginning as a Junior Firefighter in 1984 and becoming a certified Emergency Medical Technician in 1989.
In February 1994 he relocated to another portion of Somerset County and joined the Hooversville Volunteer Fire Department.
On September 11, 2001, Assistant Chief Stevanus responded to and was a part of the operation surrounding the crash of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pa.
As an EMT with Hooversville EMS, he assisted in the rescue efforts at the Quecreek Mine accident in nearby Lincoln Township from July 24 until the 9 miners were brought out on July 28 after 77 hours underground. Among many other tasks, Assistant Chief Stevanus worked with the American Red Cross staff to help the families of the miners’ cope with the situation until they were rescued.
While serving with Hooversville VFD, he earned the rank of Assistant Chief which he held until he relocated his family to South Carolina in October 2008.
I want to thank Assistant Chief Stevanus for all that he has done for the department and for me personally in supporting our mission. His experience has been instrumental in many of the decisions that continue to drive this department forward.
His expertise in apparatus operation, serving as our S.C. Department of Transportation Safety Officer, has been an important part of our successful driver training program.
Please congratulate Assistant Chief Stevanus on his retirement and join me in wishing him well.
Thank you for being the Goose Creek Difference.
Congratulations…
and many thanks are in order for Lt. Ron Dye and Battalion Chief Corey Dickerson. Chief Maibach honored both of them for 15 years of service and sent Lt. Dye off to retirement. Both men are tremendous examples of what it takes to be the Goose Creek difference!
2021 GCRFD Awards
We are proud to recognize the achievements of our members in 2021. All of our award winners are the definition of what it means to “Be The Goose Creek Difference”. Every award, except the Chief’s Award, was voted on by our members.
Co-Firefighter of the Year
Jason Healy
Co-Firefighter of the Year
Noah Wilson
Noah Wilson’s Grandmother, Kathy, accepted the award from Chief Bob Maibach on Noah’s behalf.
Rookie of the year
Joe Furst
Along with receiving Rookie of the year, Joe also received the #1 Volunteer Responder and Top Performer awards.
For these accomplishments, he received a hand-made leather New Yorker helmet in recognition of his efforts.
Most Improved Firefighter
Makenna Young
Makenna accomplished several major objectives including graduation from South Carolina Fire Academy eight-week Recruit School and she started her full-time career with St. Paul’s Fire Department.
Here she is being promoted to firefighter and pinned by her mother, Theresa.
Officer of the Year
Shaun Kennett
This award is given to a line officer or engineer that has made the most impact on the department.
Chief’s Award
Brad Rainey
This award is given to the member that has made the biggest impact. Brad has gone above and beyond to advance the fire department’s mission. He implemented inventory controls, improved record-keeping. He assisted on several significant projects and is always there to help Chief.
Graduation to Firefighter
Danielle Marriott
Danielle completed all requirements and passed the promotional test to the rank of firefighter. Here she is at our ceremony getting pinned with her firefighter badge by her husband Scott,
and daughter Piper.
Congratulations to all our honorees.
Volunteer Spotlight
From volunteer to career
We’re proud to offer training that helps our volunteers become the best firefighters possible.
You too can be the Goose Creek difference by volunteering. And if you want you can train with us to make a career out of it.
You too can be the Goose Creek difference by volunteering. And if you want you can train with us to make a career out of it.
Victoria Driscoll
Summerville Fire Dept. Recruit School graduates June 4,2021
Victoria graduated top of her class!
John Laziki
Town of Moncks Corner Fire Dept.
Brandyn Bangsund
Summerville Fire Dept. Recruit School graduates June 4,2021
Pictured is John, Brandyn's father, pinning his badge on at the graduation ceremony.
Christian Poole
Town of Moncks Corner Fire Dept.
Garrett Black
Summerville Fire Dept. Recruit School graduates June 4,2021
Garrett's entire family came to see him graduate. Including, our own Chief Maibach who just happens to be Garrett's uncle!
Noah Wilson
Town of Moncks Corner Fire Dept.
Braxton Comer
Sheldon Fire Dept.
Lexie Poteat
Dorchester County Fire Rescue
Matt Dandridge
North Charleston FD
Tom Nichols
Dorchester County Fire and Rescue
Digital Wire
Congratulations are in order for Danielle Marriott,
Matthew Valbert and Gil Viera on receiving their Firefighter II certifications that they earned through the South Carolina Fire Academy.
Pictured here are:
Chief Maibach, Danielle Marriott, Matthew Valbert, Gil Viera and Assistant Chief Andy Stevanus
Structure Fire at JW Aluminum
August 4, 2020
Old Mt. Holly Road
Congratulations to Calvin Benekin!
2021 marks the 15th year of being the Goose Creek Difference as a Goose Creek Rural Fire Department firefighter.
Calvin was honored by Chief Maibach with a 15 year helmet front and uniform ribbon. Thank you Calvin for 15 years of exemplary service.
Do you have a story your would like to share?
Send us a message!
Submit a Story
Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns and we will return your message as soon as possible.