By Betsy Finklea
It was August 1963 when Henry Brunson joined the Latta Fire Department. Now, 50 years later, Brunson is not only still an active member of the department, he is being honored by his fellow firefighters for his many years of service.
At a recent gathering, Brunson was presented an ax by members of the department in honor of his 50 years and received a plaque for being named the Latta Firefighter of the Year.
Latta Fire Chief Josh Holt said that Brunson was “one of the most dedicated firemen on the department.” He said Burnson “puts a lot into the fire service” and has an overwhelming “pride and ownership in the fire department.” He said Brunson has a vast knowledge of history and past experience that he willingly shares with other firemen, and he is proud to have Brunson as a member of the department.
Dillon County Councilman T.F. “Buzzy” Finklea, Jr., who has also served with Brunson as a fireman, said Brunson and his hard work and dedication to the fire service should serve as an example for all firefighters. He praised Brunson for reaching this milestone.
Brunson said a great deal has changed since he first joined the department until the present day. He said firemen were alerted to fires by sirens before the communication with radios and pagers. Brunson said the siren would go up and down for a fire and was one long siren for a rescue call. Firemen would come by the department and find out the location of the fire from dispatchers such as Ed Taylor and Neta Byrd. Brunson said a tenant who lived on the farm would come across the cotton field and tell him there was a fire. He said back then you could take off work to go to a fire.
Brunson, who has served as the Latta Fire Chief numerous times himself, has served under several chiefs including Wendell Ard, Bill Hatch, Glenn Greene, Charles Smith, and Dick Richardson.
Brunson said when he came on the department in 1963, there was no turnout gear. He said he just had hip boots, a long black coat, and a helmet. He said they also did not fight fire inside the house. Brunson said fires were fought from the outside, and firemen received $3 per fire. He said there was no training like there is available now. While Brunson has served on the fire department, his brother, Eddie, has served as well as his son Scott. His brother, Jerry, was on the rescue squad.
Brunson said he has continued to serve so many years because he has always enjoyed being a fireman.
He said he has always cared for this and doesn’t mind getting up in the middle of the night to go on a call. He said many times while he was working shift work, he would get out of bed to go to a fire. “That’s how much I enjoyed it,” said Brunson.
Brunson said he has always enjoyed being part of the firemen and helping the community.
In addition to being a fireman, Brunson has served the community in various capacities while working a full-time job at the paper mill.
Brunson has been a Boy Scout leader. He is a former member of the Latta Rescue Squad and was a founding member of that organization. He also is the founder of the Cooks for Christ and has received the Order of the Palmetto, one of the state’s highest civilian honors. He is also currently working part-time with EMS.
“I’ve always loved people. I’m a people person,” said Brunson. “That’s the reason I’m doing what I’m doing.”
“I enjoy helping people and giving back to others like God has given to me,” said Brunson. “There’s nothing like the fire department to me.”
