Bluffton Township Fire District honors personnel on International Firefighters’ Day

The Bluffton Township Fire District recognized firefighters, staff members and volunteers for acts of bravery, years of service and professional achievement during its annual Awards Night and Dinner held in conjunction with International Firefighters’ Day.

The district, which serves nearly 246 square miles in southern Beaufort County, also recognized 38 employees who received promotions in 2025 and 49 employees celebrating work anniversaries ranging from two to 35 years of service.

Among the district’s highest honors was the Medal of Valor, awarded to Driver/Operator Justin Bowers. The award recognizes “conspicuous courage in the face of immediate, life-threatening peril” and is presented only under extraordinary circumstances, according to the district.

District officials said Bowers was off duty when a worker was electrocuted in the ceiling space of a county building. Bowers rendered aid and continued lifesaving efforts until additional emergency medical personnel arrived. The worker survived and was released from the hospital the following day.
Bowers also received the American Legion Post 205 Firefighter of the Year award, which recognized the same incident.

The Medal of Merit was awarded to Driver/Operator Brandon Morgan and Firefighter Joseph Kordus after the pair responded to a vehicle that had overturned in a pond.
According to the district, Morgan and Kordus worked alongside bystanders to lift the submerged pickup truck enough to free the driver, who was pinned underwater. Officials said their actions saved the driver’s life.

Several teams received Unit Citations recognizing outstanding group performance. Those honored included the Community Risk Reduction Team, the Dolphin Rescue Team and the Squad 38 Senior Resource Team.

Volunteer Leslie Jones-Hart received the Johnny Fender Memorial Award for service to the department and community safety, while Kristen Hatcher was recognized with the Auxiliary Member Achievement award.

The district also recognized officers, firefighters and staff employees of the year from each shift.

Firefighter of the Year awards were presented to Senior Firefighter Matthew Baker of Shift 1, Senior Firefighter Matthew Wallet of Shift 2 and Driver/Operator Missy Keller of Shift 3.
Capt. Brian Hart, quartermaster, received the Staff Employee of the Year award.

The ceremony also recognized longtime employees for milestone anniversaries with the district.
Battalion Chief Todd Harvey marked 35 years of service. Deputy Chief Derek Church, Battalion Chief Michael Rehill, Capt. Emerson Kovalanchik and Senior Firefighter Allen Cramer each were recognized for 30 years of service.

Battalion Chief Jayme Beach and Senior Firefighter Matthew Henne were honored for 25 years with the district, while Capt. Jerry Piccioli, Capt. Ed Rhodes and Driver/Operator Enrique Baez were recognized for 20 years of service.

“On International Firefighters’ Day, we are reminded why this work matters,” Fire Chief David Hindman said in a statement. “These individuals represent the very best of our profession. We are proud to serve alongside them, and we are grateful for the families who stand behind them every single day.”