Get to know #yourColletonFirefighter Brad Welch on #firefighterfriday. Firefighter/EMT Welch is assigned to Station 19’s Platoon on “B” Shift. Here is more information about FF/EMT Welch:
Brad joined Bamberg Fire Department in 2004 after Chief Timmy Taylor gave him a shot. He was introduced to the fire service by his uncle, Bill Johnson, and Chris and Kevin Sandifer. Bill was a firefighter in Barnwell County, and Kevin is now a Captain for the City of Columbia Fire Department. After getting involved in the fire department, Bamberg Fire Chief Gary Williams and Anthony Haddock helped him navigate his way into a career position. The fire service is known to have a few key terms that really interested Brad. Words like pride, work ethic, attention to detail, brother and sisterhood really left an impression on him. Brad started taking more fire classes and also obtained his NREMT-B certification. He joined Colleton County Fire-Rescue’s Station 15 while waiting on a full time position. His opportunity came in January 2015 when he was offered a “D” shift position at Station 9. A year later, he moved to a 24/48 position on the Station 26 Platoon. In 2021, Brad was transferred to his current and most favorite Platoon, Station 19. This station not only has a large response area, but it is the busiest in the county. In addition to an ambulance, engine, and tender, Station 19 houses several speciality apparatus: two Haz-Mat trucks, ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting) Truck, and Ladder 19. This rotation has allowed Brad opportunities to further his knowledge as a Haz-Mat Technician, in aircraft emergency response, and in aerial operations. Brad also says, “I guess this might sound a bit partial to the crews at this station, but everyone has the similar goals, we all strive for the same level of excellence; this makes coming to work exciting!”
When Brad is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Emily, their three children Elizabeth, Harper, and Stough, and their families. Brad is a family centered man, and the children always come first. They spend time at the ball fields, dance recitals, and anything else the children want to try. During the summer, the Welch family can be found anywhere that requires a boat and a camper. All this traveling means Brad can be found burning the midnight oil around the farm. Together with his family, they grow corn, soybeans, small grains, long leaf and loblolly pines. They own several horses, which according to Brad, have just as many needs as children! As if he needed to add anything else to his plate, Brad also owns a successful land clearing and grading business.
