2024 First Responders of the Year announced by SAFE Federal Credit Union

South Carolina’s first responders were honored before a 77,000-person sellout crowd as SAFE Federal Credit Union announced its 2024 First Responders of the Year during the University of South Carolina’s football game against the University of Mississippi.

“As South Carolinians, we depend on the dedication and courage of our first responders every day,” said SAFE President and CEO Michael Baker. “Our First Responders of the Year represent the very best of the best in our state. We are grateful for the opportunity to honor them.”

Recipients of the 2024 SAFE First Responders of the Year Award are:

Sgt. Kenneth Fitzsimmons – Richland County Sheriff’s Department

A former U.S. Army infantry NCO with deployments to Iraq and Kosovo, Fitzsimmons serves with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. He most recently was recognized for saving the life of a suicidal man who threatened to jump from a Florence overpass. He was awarded the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor for showing fortitude, cool-headedness and empathy in saving a human life.

Heather "Nickie" Jarrell – Beaufort County EMS

A previous South Carolina Paramedic of the Year honoree, Jarrell is credentialed as both a paramedic and a firefighter. She currently serves with the Beaufort County EMS. In addition to providing medical care, Jarrell eased the circumstances of many patients’ living conditions. When she is not on the job, she often assists with the personal, financial and social needs of Beaufort County residents, often paying for aid herself.

Jackie Swindler – South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy

With 48 years in law enforcement – including 21 years as chief of police for the City of Newberry – Swindler is director for the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. An advocate for ethics and professionalism in law enforcement, Swindler is the recipient of numerous national awards and serves on the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force Executive Committee and the State Homeland Security Senior Advisory Council.

Chief John T. Bowers – South Carolina Firefighters Association

After a career spanning 44 years in the fire service, Chief Bowers recently retired as chief of the Camden Fire Department where he remains a volunteer. He continues to serve on The Executive Committee of the South Carolina State Firefighters Association, where he served as president. Chief Bowers is currently chair of the Supervising Trustees of the South Carolina State Firefighters Association.

Each of SAFE’s four First Responders of the Year represents a different segment of South Carolina’s first responder field. The 2024 recipients were selected by their professional service organizations: the SC Fraternal Order of Police, the SC Firefighters Association, the SC EMS Association, and the SC Law Enforcement Officers Organization.

 About SAFE Federal Credit Union

SAFE Federal Credit Union, founded in 1955, is one of the largest financial institutions based in South Carolina with over $1.8 billion in assets, 145,000+ members and 19 branches. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Sumter, Lee, Kershaw, Clarendon, Florence and parts of Richland and Lexington counties. Membership is also open to employees of more than 400 companies located throughout the Midlands and relatives of those eligible to join. Connect with us at www.SAFEfed.org, on Facebook.com/SAFEfederalcreditunion or @SAFEFCU.