Rank

Fire Chief

Fire Department

City of Conway Fire Department

County

Horry

Department Type

Combination

Fire Service Experience

Fire Cadet 1994-1996; Firefighter (Volunteer) 1996-2001; Career Firefighter (2001-2004); Fire Lieutenant (2004-2005); Fire Captain/Shift Commander (2005-2012); Battalion Chief of Operations (2012-2014); Fire Chief (2014-Present)

What originally drew you to the fire service?

Second generation. My father served with Conway Fire from 1975-2005 (retired as Assistant Chief)

What drives you to continue in the fire/emergency services?

Helping others and making a difference in the youth of the fire service. I continue to push to be a better Chief Officer and share my experiences with others.

As you progressed through the ranks, what hurdles/challenges have you faced?

As a second generation firefighter, I have had to work outside of my father's shadow. It is easy to say that I have progressed in the fire service because of my last name, but I feel my last name has caused me to work extra hard to prove that I can succeed on my own merit. The Hendrick name has been deeply rooted in the City of Conway Fire Service history, so I feel that a spotlight was cast on me from the beginning and I have always been under a microscope. I have used this as motivation to work harder, and accomplish my dreams on my own.

If you could give any advice to young/new officers, what would you tell them?

Never let adversity, roadblocks, or hurdles stand in the way of your dreams. We all control our own destinies. When times get tough, buckle down and work harder to overcome the obstacles.

What are some personal highlights of your career?

Firefighter of the Year in 1997 (youngest to receive this award); Obtained my Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in Emergency Services Management from Columbia Southern University; Horry Georgetown Fire Chiefs' Association Board of Directors 2014-2019; South Carolina State Firefighters' Association Leadership Institute Graduate 2018

Are there any department spotlights you would like to share? 

ISO Class One Rating obtained in 2017

 

Department Name 

Ridge Spring Fire Department

Department County 

Saluda

Year Established

1951

Department Type 

Volunteer

Demographics and Population Served 

City 2,800 Response District 11,500

What type of services are offered by the department? 

Fire Response

First-Responder Response

High Angle Rescue

Water Rescue/Swift Water/Dive

Fire Chief 

Russell Derrick

Number of Officers 

 8

Number of Firefighters 

 20

Number of Stations 

1

Average Annual Call Volume 

 150

Is there anything unique about the department?