76-Year-Old Latta Fireman Passes Rigorous Firefighter 1 Course

By Betsy Finklea
Just months after the Dillon County Council dropped a requirement for firefighters to complete Firefighter I certification, a 76-year-old Latta fireman has set the example for other local firefighters by completing and passing the rigorous course.
Many wouldn’t think that Henry Brunson, who has been on the Latta Fire Department for nearly 52 years, would even need or want to complete the class with more than five decades of firefighting experience under his belt, but he was more than willing to take on the challenge.
“I did it for myself,” said Brunson, who said he wanted to show the younger firefighters that if he could do it they could do it. One of the complaints with some firefighters is that the class takes up a great deal of time, but Brunson, who is known in the area for his active involvement in numerous activities including Cooks For Christ, said if he had time, they have time.
Brunson said he wanted to motivate himself and do better for himself by completing the class. “If you do something, it’s worth doing right,” said Brunson. He said he learned so much about firefighting  from the class even with his vast experience.
“As a department, we are so proud of Henry for taking the initiative to take and pass Firefighter I at 76 years of age,” said Latta Fire Chief Bobby Jones. “He has dedicated over 50 years of his life to the Latta Fire Department , and he has been a blessing to us and the community,” Jones said.
According to a course description, Firefighter I “is designed to take the student to the first level of firefighting as recognized by the National Fire Protection Association and certified by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications (ProBoard). Subjects include building construction, ropes and knots, forcible entry, ventilation, water supply, salvage, overhaul, communications, fire prevention, and public fire education. Upon successful completion of written and skills testing, the firefighter will receive international recognition as Firefighter I.”
Brunson said he was encouraged to pursue the certification by Latta Assistant Chief Andy Britt, Latta Fire Chief Bobby Jones, former Latta Fire Chief Josh Holt, and Oak Grove Fire Chief Larry Cox.
Brunson hopes his achievement will inspire younger firefighters to take on the challenge.
“This goes to show the man that Henry is,” said Oak Grove Fire Chief Larry Cox. “He always wants to do better.”
“At 76, when most have stopped pursuing their dreams, Henry is still living his. I think it is a great accomplishment that Henry has achieved this milestone in his firefighting career. Just think about the motivation he has given to the younger firefighters. I have heard some say if Mr. Henry can do it, I can try,” said Cox.
“This fire department is my life,” said Brunson, who said he still gets up in the middle of the night to answer fire calls. “It’s something I’ve always loved to do.”
Dillon County Council Chairman T.F. “Buzzy” Finklea, Jr., said he couldn’t be more proud of Brunson and his achievement. “Henry has set the standard for other Dillon County firefighters. He has shown with determination, dedication, and hard work, one can achieve his goals.”
Brunson is now on his way to his next achievement–Firefighter 2.

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