Last Thursday, we completed the initial training for the Charleston Fire Department Peer Team and we are pleased to have created a partnership between our Teams. This Team training was preceded, in the last quarter of 2018, with informational meetings with CFD members throughout all their stations on all three shifts.

Our Lowcountry Team began in 2007 as the Charleston Firefighter Support Team following the tragic loss of nine Charleston firefighters in the Sofa Super Store fire.  In 2012, we transitioned into a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization and changed our name to the Lowcountry Firefighter Support Team, Inc.  This new endeavor is particularly pleasing as we honored to be a part of their Team again.

What began as an internal team for the CFD in 2007 has grown to now serve twenty-three counties in the lower part of our state as the Lowcountry Firefighter Support Team, Inc.  We are pleased to have assisted the CFD reestablish their internal peer team with two of their original active duty members and five others who have joined them.  They are joined by several retired CFD members who were members of their original team and our Team will continue to provide peer support to assist them as needed.   Additionally, they will be supported by three therapists of the local First Responder Support Team who will provide clinical assistance for CFD members.

Many thanks to all of these folks who have made this plan come together.