County Spotlight: Lexington Firefighter Honored for Valor and Service

Engineer Zachary Pfentner of the Lexington County Fire Service was recently awarded the 2023 Jeffrey Vaden Chavis Medal of Valor by the SC State Firefighters’ Association (SCSFFA).

“To say we are extremely proud of Engineer Pfentner would be an understatement,” Lexington County Fire Service Chief Mark Davis said. “His actions speak volumes about his character, integrity, and he emboldens our motto of ‘Service Excellence’ both on the fire ground and in life.”

One of the SCSFFA’s highest awards to be presented to an individual for their actions in the face of danger, the Medal of Valor is named in honor of fallen Lexington County Firefighter Jeffrey Vaden Chavis who was critically injured while battling a house fire in 2001. He fought bravely for 26 days before succumbing to his injuries. This award is dedicated to Chavis’ service, sacrifice and his spirit of valor.

The award is not presented annually and is only awarded in exceptional cases involving a hazardous performance of duties that risk the life of the individual. Pfentner is the first member of the Lexington County Fire Service to be awarded the prestigious honor.

On the morning of December 28, 2022, Engineer Pfentner was driving home after his shift when he noticed black smoke coming from a home. His instincts knew this column of smoke wasn’t from a chimney, but from a building on fire. He called 9-1-1 as he approached the residence to report the fire and then his training took over. Pfentner ran into the burning home and saved a man who was unable to escape on his own.

“There is special significance in the Jeff Chavis award as well,” Chief Davis said. “Jeff was a devoted member of the Lexington County Fire Service who gave his life serving Lexington County. Engineer Pfentner, the first LCFS member to ever receive this award, holds the same love for the Fire Service and devotion to duty as our fallen hero. Congratulations to Engineer Pfentner and his family for receiving this fitting award for your off-duty actions.”

Read more about  Pfentner’s heroic actions here.

At the June state firefighters conference in Myrtle Beach, Dennis Ray of Kershaw County Fire was inducted into the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association Hall  of Fame. Ray retired as the South Carolina Fire Academy Superintendent at the end of 2022 after serving in the position for five years.

 The late Joseph Kenneth Barr of Anderson County, who died in the line of duty, was also inducted into the Hall of Fame.  

Engineer Zachary Pfentner of the Lexington County Fire Service accepts the 2023 Jeffrey Vaden Chavis Medal of Valor given by the SC State Firefighters’ Association	Dennis Ray of Kershaw County Fire was inducted into the Hall of Fame.