Community members gather to celebrate Derek Franks' retirement after 25 years of service.
The Bluffton community gathered to honor Battalion Chief Derek Franks at his retirement ceremony after 25 years of dedicated service. Derek’s rise from firefighter to Battalion Chief was marked by heroism and significant contributions, including lifesaving rescues during major disasters like Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy. His legacy of excellence and commitment to public safety will be remembered as he embarks on his well-deserved retirement.
In Bluffton, the atmosphere was filled with a mix of nostalgia and gratitude as friends, family, and fellow firefighters gathered to celebrate the remarkable career of Battalion Chief Derek Franks, who recently retired after an impressive 25 years of dedicated service with the Bluffton Township Fire District. The retirement ceremony unfolded on January 3 at the BTFD Headquarters, where stories and memories flowed as freely as the smiles on everyone’s faces.
Derek’s journey began in August 1999 when he donned the uniform for the first time as a firefighter. Little did anyone know then just how far he would climb the ranks. His hard work and dedication quickly caught the eyes of his superiors, leading to several promotions over the years. He became a Lieutenant in 2008, then a Captain in 2012, followed by Station Chief in 2014, and ultimately reached the prestigious rank of Battalion Chief in 2019. Each milestone was a testament to his commitment to his role in serving the Bluffton community.
Throughout his years, Derek made significant contributions to our region’s emergency response efforts. He played a crucial role as a Rescue Specialist on South Carolina Task Force One Urban Search and Rescue from March 2003 to 2022. His leadership extended beyond Bluffton, with roles as Bluffton Team Lead for South Carolina Task Force 6 Regional Rescue Team and Special Operations Coordinator.
Many locals will remember Derek for his heroic deployments during times of crisis. He bravely answered the call during catastrophic events like Hurricane Katrina in 2005, where he led a team that searched over 1,200 homes, ultimately rescuing one civilian who was in desperate need. Fast forward to 2012, when Superstorm Sandy struck; Derek led a boat team that managed an incredible 39 rescues, including 29 high-risk rescues amid the storm’s chaos.
Not one to shy away from the toughest challenges, Derek was also instrumental during the 1000-Year Flood in 2015. He commanded four boat teams in Charleston and Columbia, facilitating over 180 rescues and logging more than 400 hours on the water—talk about a dedicated public servant!
Over the years, Derek didn’t just make an impact through his actions; he also earned recognition for his exceptional service. He was awarded the title of BTFD Firefighter of the Year twice, in 2000 and 2002, as well as Fire Officer of the Year in 2010. In 2013, he received the BTFD Award for Merit for Continuous Outstanding Performance, which shows just how dedicated he was to his responsibilities.
Derek’s contributions did not go unnoticed, as he received multiple unit citations and certificates of appreciation throughout his career, specifically for his diligence in fire prevention and training. His commitment to excellence left a lasting mark on the fire district and the Bluffton community.
As Bluffton Township Fire District Chief Paul Boulware stated during the ceremony, Derek Franks has truly made a lasting impact on everyone around him. His commitment to public safety has set a high bar for future firefighters, and it will be felt for years to come. Though he may have hung up his uniform, the legacy of Derek Franks will live on in the hearts and minds of those he served.
As Bluffton bids farewell to a hero, we wish Derek all the best in his retirement. He’s certainly earned it!
Bluffton Says Farewell to Battalion Chief Derek Franks
News Summary Brandon Cisse, a standout cornerback from NC State, is transferring to South Carolina…
News Summary Mauldin, South Carolina, has a new lottery champion! A lucky Powerball ticket purchased…
News Summary The small town of Aiken, South Carolina, is in shock following the recent…
News Summary Charlotte is witnessing a significant legal battle as the NC Chamber Legal Institute…
News Summary Bar and restaurant owners in South Carolina are alarmed by skyrocketing liquor liability…
News Summary Naomi Lett steps into her role as the new CEO of the South…