New hires
We’re excited to welcome back Matt Schnabel as Environmental Education Program Manager. Matt previously served as the SCFC’s Environmental Education Coordinator and returned to the agency Feb. 2 after working as the Resident Scientist at Dutch Fork Elementary School. We are very happy to have Matt back!
Matt studied at Central Carolina Technical College, Miami University and Clemson University. He has also worked as a school teacher and park ranger.
He is married with three children and enjoys the outdoors and spending time with friends and family.
Brandon Klein is the UAS (Unmanned Air Systems) Coordinator as of March 17. He works at headquarters in Columbia and lives in Irmo.
Brandon has a bachelor’s degree in UAS and a master’s in Unmanned Systems with a specialization in aviation safety, both from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Arizona. He has worked in various sectors, including flight test operations, UAS integration, ISR missions and advanced sensor applications. Some of his previous roles included working for a LiDAR company, Amazon, Atlas Air, and as a professor.
Brandon enjoys NASCAR, building drones, going new places and helping others. He currently volunteers for a food pantry.
Jerry Boughman is a Vehicle/Equipment Repair Technician III for the Piedmont Region as of March 17.
Jerry works at the Spartanburg office and lives in Union. He attended Union High School.
Timothy Coolidge is a Pilot I (Temp) for the Piedmont Region as of April 2.
On the move
Sam Muckenfuss is a Project Forester for Dorchester County as of Feb. 2. He was previously the Project Forester for Colleton County.
Samuel Hale is the FIA Forester for the East Unit of the Piedmont Region in Spartanburg as of Feb. 2. He was previously a Project Forester for Orangeburg County.
Wade Truesdale is the Program Coordinator I/Coastal Firewise & Prevention Field Coordinator for the Coastal Region as of March 2. Wade previously served as the Berkeley/Upper Charleston Sector FMO (Fire Management Officer).
His new cell phone number is 839-317-6719 (Protection-3).
Jimmy Tobias is the Pilot I (full-time) for the Coastal Region. He was previously a temporary pilot in the Piedmont Region.
Jimmy attended Spartanburg High School before studying at Orr Aviation.
His favorite hobby is flying.
Trayton Hill is a Forester I for Colleton County in the Coastal Region as of March 17. He previously served as Project Forester for Hampton County.
Brad Phillips is a Forestry Technician III at Harbison State Forest as of March 17. He was previously a Recreation Specialist at Harbison.
Ann Huyler is the Piedmont Urban Forestry Specialist as of April 2. She previously served as the Pee Dee Region Urban Forestry Specialist.
New additions
Spartanburg/Union FMO Clay Howard and his wife, Emily, welcomed daughter Elowyn Yona Jan. 23 at 10:53 p.m. She weighed 9 lbs. and was 21 inches long. All are doing well. Congratulations to the Howard family!
Beaufort/Jasper Sector Wildland Firefighter Jacob Vandenbosch and his wife welcomed a little baby girl March 30. She weighed 8 lbs. 6 oz. and was 21 in. long. Mom and baby are doing great, and big brothers are excited to have a little sister. Congratulations to the Vandenbosch family!
Piedmont East Assistant Unit Forester Jon Barker and his wife, Lauren, were recently blessed with the birth of son Wiley Greer Barker. Wiley was born March 31 and was 6.6 pounds and 18 ¾ inches long. Mom, dad and Wiley are all doing well! Congratulations to the Barker family!
Farewells
Aiken/Barnwell Sector Wildland Firefighter Jimmy Jackson retired from the SCFC after 37 years of service. We wish you all the best in retirement, Jimmy!
Pee Dee Dispatcher Lisa Downer retired from the SCFC after 22 years of service. We wish you all the best in retirement, Lisa!
Separations
Forestry Technician I (Temp) Bryce Shannon separated from the agency March 12.
Coastal Region Dispatcher III Sherry Thompson separated from the agency March 29.
Pee Dee Region Communications Coordinator Donald Bryant separated from the agency April 1.
In remembrance
Retired Cassatt Tower Operator Marie Hammons passed away March 24 at age 91. A private service was held March 31.
Retired Mailroom Clerk Josephine Johnson passed away March 29. A service was held April 2 in Columbia.