New hires
Tate Tiller started as a Forestry Technician II at Sand Hills State Forest Jan. 2. He is from up north but now lives in Patrick.
Growing up, Tate worked with his uncle, who is a forester in Vermont. That’s who inspired Tate to earn his associate’s degree in Forestry Tech from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) The Ranger School in New York State and his bachelor’s degree in Forest Resources Management from SUNY ESF.
Before joining the SCFC, Tate ran a 2,500-tap maple production on his family property. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, hiking and camping.
Marion Infinger started as a Wildland Firefighter in the Santee Unit Jan. 2. He attended Holly Hill Academy, and his work experience includes working on his family farm. Marion lives in St. George with his wife and son.
George Hutto started as a Wildland Firefighter in the Pee Dee Region, Lynches River Unit Jan. 20. He lives in Bethune and attended Clemson University. His work experience includes being a farm manager.
Kevin Treadaway started as a Wildland Firefighter in the Pee Dee Region, Lynches River Unit Jan. 20. He attended Marlboro County High School and lives in Clio.
David Carter started as a Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Forester I based in Spartanburg Jan. 20. He lives in Rock Hill and attended Clemson University.
He spent 10 years working in residential real estate and has experience with the U.S. Forest Service and the SCFC.
In his free time, David enjoys fishing and camping. He and his children are active in the Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) organization.
Zach Byrd is a Wildland Firefighter in the Pee Dee Region, Lynches River Unit. He started Jan. 26. Zach lives in Alcolu and attended Laurence Manning Academy in Manning, as well as Central Carolina Technical College in Sumter. His work experience includes Clarendon County Fire Rescue.
Donald Harrison started as a Temporary Pilot for the Coastal Region Jan. 20.
On the move
Adam Forbes started as a Project Forester II in the Pee Dee Region, Lynches River Unit Dec. 2.
Middleton Bull is the Orangeburg/Dorchester Sector Fire Management Officer (FMO) as of Dec. 9. He previously worked as a Forestry Technician in the same sector.
Daniel Tew started as a Forester Supervisor II Dec. 17 at Manchester State Forest. He previously worked as an FIA Forester in Spartanburg.
Farewells
Edgefield/McCormick/Saluda Sector Wildland Firefighter Frank Nicholson retired Dec. 26 after 25 years of service.
Darlington/Marlboro Sector Wildland Firefighter Paul Branch retired Jan. 2 with 21 years of service.
Separations
Sandhills State Forest Forestry Technician I Asher Burnett separated from the agency Jan. 16.
Wildland Firefighter Stephen Owen separated from the agency Jan. 11.
Temporary Forestry Technician I Spencer Gause separated from the agency Jan. 6.
Recognition
A big “atta boy” is in order for Edisto Asst. Unit Forester and Beaufort Project Forester Drew Pressley, Allendale/Hampton/Jasper Project Forester Trayton Hill and Allendale/Hampton/Jasper Sector Wildland Firefighter Bryan Smith. The three represented the agency very well before and during the Hampton County 4-H Junior Leadership Program’s Natural Resources Day.
To the right is the email State Forester Scott Phillips received from Dawn Stuckey, Senior Associate and 4-H Youth Develoment Agent for Colleton and Hampton Counties.
Good afternoon, Scott,
I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to the SCFC employees for their assistance during the Hampton County 4-H Junior Leadership Program’s Natural Resources Day. Hampton Jr. Leadership Program consists of 12 high school Sophomores and Juniors from schools within the county who meet monthly for career exploration and leadership skill development. Each month focuses on a different career sector, and students participate in site visits and classroom activities that expose them to as many career pathways within each sector as possible, teaching them essential leadership and workforce skills. Agencies and sites are carefully considered and must have a respectable footprint in the county. This year, I chose to spotlight SCDNR and SCFC due to their close partnership in our area and the numerous career pathways available within each organization.
When I began planning this meeting, I reached out to Drew, and he was happy to meet with the group about careers and the services offered through the SCFC. We talked on several occasions to design a program that would meet the goals of the Jr. Leadership Program. Drew, Treyton, and Bryan developed a presentation that enabled students to interact with various types of equipment and gain an understanding of how each was used in its primary role of fire suppression. Drew and Treyton conducted a program in the classroom that covered the numerous roles and responsibilities associated with forestry and fire control careers offered by the SCFC, including take-home information on careers and internships to encourage youth to consider a future career with the agency. Each employee was able to represent their division professionally and provided detailed knowledge of their role within the organization.
The partnership the Edisto Unit has created with Hampton County 4-H is a long-standing and valued one. To build our future workforce, we must work together to provide as many opportunities as possible for them to step out of their comfort zone and explore their options. The Edisto Unit has always provided assistance when I have asked, and I appreciate their willingness to help.
Please share my gratitude with these men and let them know that they are appreciated for the work they do with the youth in Hampton County.
Sincerely,
Dawn Stuckey
In remembrance
by Tracy Fulmer, Piedmont Region Administrative Specialist
It’s with heavy hearts that we share that Virgil Livingston, former dozer operator of 30 years, passed away Nov. 30, 2025, at age 79. The funeral was held on Dec. 3 in Newberry County, and we brought one of our dozers. The family sent a thank you note for all we did for them.
