S.C. Sen. Nikki Setzler presented retiring West Columbia Fire Chief Wyatt Coleman a Senate Resolution last week. Setzler said the resolution was to congratulate Coleman for his 40 years of “outstanding service to the City of West Columbia.”

There was a reception thrown by the City of West Columbia during the resolution presentation.

A SENATE RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE FIRE CHIEF WYATT COLEMAN UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE WEST COLUMBIA FIRE DEPARTMENT, TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS FORTY YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Wyatt Coleman upon the occasion of his retirement as Fire Chief of the West Columbia Fire Department; and

Whereas, Wyatt Coleman grew up on a farm in South Georgia; and

Whereas, Coleman joined the West Columbia Fire Department as a volunteer in January 1977, where he discovered a passion for helping others. He became a full-time firefighter that same year; and

Whereas, over the course of his career with the West Columbia Fire Department, Chief Coleman has served as an Engineer 1, Lieutenant, Captain, and Fire Chief; and

Whereas, as Fire Chief, Coleman has balanced professionalism and compassion, always treating his crews like family while maintaining composure and a sense of duty in handling difficult issues, including the catastrophic floods of 2015; and

Whereas, an innovative leader, Chief Coleman has undertaken a number of projects, including the purchase of a new fire engine, the enhancement of the emergency medical services program, an increase in fundraising for the Burned Children’s Fund of MUSC, the improvement of auto aid agreements with the county and surrounding municipalities, and the improvement of the city’s ISO rating; and

Whereas, Chief Coleman has embraced the expanding role of the fire department in ensuring the safety of the residents of the City of West Columbia, from acting as first responders or a part of river rescue operations to administering medical aid on the scene; and

Whereas, Chief Coleman is a member of the South Carolina State Firefighters Association, the South Carolina Fire Chief’s Association, West Columbia’s Safety Committee, and Lexington School District Two’s CATE Advisory Committee; and

Whereas, Chief Coleman was selected as West Columbia’s Firefighter of the Year in 1983, 1992, and 2002; and

Whereas, Chief Coleman has been married to his wife Carol for seventeen years. He has one daughter, Holly Coleman, and a step‑ son, Gordon Herndon. He is also an avid fisherman; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are grateful for the loyalty and dedication that Chief Wyatt Coleman has shown in serving the people and the State of South Carolina. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Fire Chief Wyatt Coleman upon the occasion of his retirement from the West Columbia Fire Department, commend him for his forty years of distinguished public service, and wish him continued success in all his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Chief Wyatt Coleman.
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