Fairview O'Neal Fire Department

10/09/2026

Charge large items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside when possible. Do not block exits when charging. These batteries store more energy, and fires can grow quickly if they fail.

10/08/2026

Charge on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk, or floor. Beds, couches, and pillows can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause a battery to overheat.

10/07/2026

Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

10/06/2026

More safety tips for Fire Prevention Week from Fairview FD! 🔥🧯🚒

10/05/2026

Fairview Fire Department is teaming up with NFPA to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week™, October 4-10, Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower. Help us spread the word that everyday actions can help prevent lithium-ion battery fires. Use your charging superpower by making smart choices every time you plug in. For more info: fpw.org.

10/01/2026

🔥 Beyond the Helmet: Honoring Chief Blake Davis 🚒

As we come to the final spotlight in our Beyond the Helmet series, it only feels right to end by honoring someone who has played such an important role in the story of Fairview Fire Department — Chief Blake Davis.

For nearly 38 years, Chief Davis has dedicated himself to the fire service, including the last 7 years as Fairview’s Chief. His journey began with the example of his father, a volunteer firefighter with the City of Newberry, who inspired him to serve others.

After years with the Newberry Fire Department, Chief Davis brought his experience and leadership to Fairview. For him, the most rewarding part of the job is helping people on some of the worst days of their lives, working toward a good outcome, and making sure his members are safe and accounted for.

For those of us at Fairview, his impact goes far beyond the title of Chief. This department would not be where it is today without the years of leadership, sacrifice, knowledge, and heart he has poured into it.

Outside the fire service, Chief Davis enjoys hunting, classic cars, and spending time with his wife and 3 daughters and grandson. And if you’re looking for him around town, you might find him enjoying a country-fried steak at Summers Restaurant in Newberry! ❤️

His reminder to our community is simple but important: close your bedroom doors at night, make sure your smoke alarms are working, clean your dryer vents, and never leave cooking unattended.

Chief, thank you for nearly four decades of service and for everything you have done — and continue to do — for Fairview. Thank you for leading, serving, and helping build a department we are so proud to be part of. 🚒❤️

And with that, we officially wrap up our Beyond the Helmet series. Thank you to every member who shared their story and allowed our community to get to know the people behind the helmets.

Until the next series — stay safe, Fairview. ❤️

10/01/2026

Beyond the Helmet: Honoring Brenda & Leon Fulmer🚒

For Brenda Fulmer, serving Fairview has always been about love, family, and community.

Her husband, Leon Fulmer, began serving with the Fairview Fire Department in 1967, and Brenda was right there beside him. While Leon served our community through the fire department, Brenda found her own way to serve—by supporting the firefighters behind the scenes. For as long as she can remember, she has been cooking, helping with department suppers, and making sure the men and women serving our community were well taken care of.

Though Leon has since passed, his legacy of service remains an important part of Fairview’s history. And standing alongside that legacy is Brenda, who has spent so many years giving her time, love, and support to the department and the people in it.

Brenda is a retired office manager from 27 Pinner Clinic, but more than any title or job, she is someone who has always been deeply devoted to her family. Family is at the heart of who Brenda is, and she treasures the time spent surrounded by the people she loves. That same caring spirit has carried over into the way she has supported the fire department for so many years. ❤️

These days, Brenda has another little family member keeping her company—her beloved wiener dog, Molly 🐾 And when she’s ready to enjoy a good meal, you might find her at Mimi’s restaurant.

For Brenda, one of the most rewarding parts of supporting the fire department has never been about recognition. It has simply been about helping her community and taking care of the people who take care of everyone else.

Brenda and Leon’s story is a beautiful reminder that the fire service is bigger than the people who answer the calls. It includes the families who stand beside them, the people who cook the meals, lend a helping hand, open their hearts, and become part of the department family along the way.

Today, we’re honored to recognize Brenda for all the years she has poured into Fairview—and to remember Leon and the service he gave beginning in 1967. Their story is part of the history of Fairview Fire Department, and their legacy of love, service, and community will always have a place here. ❤️🚒

10/01/2026

09/30/2026

🚒 BEHIND THE HELMET: Meet Some of Our Newest Members! 👨‍🚒❤️
We’re excited to introduce a few of the newest faces at Fairview O’Neal Fire Department! 🚒🔥

🚒 Aidan Stanley
- Aidan’s interest in firefighting started with a fascination for fire trucks—but he says, “I couldn’t let my mom be cooler than me.” 😂
- Just a few months into his fire service journey, Aidan is getting to be part of the action! His favorite equipment? The siren, of course! Outside the firehouse, he enjoys cars, motorcycles, pancake supper, and Waffle House. His safety tip: Wear your seatbelt!

👩‍🚒 Christina McDuffie
- Christina was inspired to become a firefighter by her father and son, who are both in the fire service. She brings 10 years of experience with Paul Davis Restoration and a love for live music.
- At home, she has quite the crew—cats, dogs, goats, ducks, and chickens! She hopes to open her own business someday. Her favorite local food? Mexican, especially Nacho Margarita! Her safety tip: Never leave cooking unattended. 🔥

🚒 Gavin
- With one year of service, Gavin has always had an interest in emergency services. He previously participated in the Chapin Police Explorers and has a military background.
- Gavin says the best part of being a firefighter is helping people. ❤️Outside the department, he enjoys the shooting range and spending time with his husky and two cats. His favorite local stop is Cook Out, and his safety tip is to take a few extra minutes to check your smoke detectors.

👩‍🚒 Jennifer
- Jennifer felt God put firefighting on her heart, and when her son Gavin decided to volunteer, she joined him! ❤️ She is a career firefighter with the City of Newberry and a part-time college math instructor.
- She loves serving people on their hardest days and giving them hope. Outside the firehouse, she enjoys the lake, hiking, writing, and spending time with family. Her sweet pup Gracie is never far away! Her favorite tool is the Halligan, and her safety tip is to keep bedroom doors closed at night and check those smoke alarms! 🚨
- And of course, having Gavin and Jennifer serving together makes this mother-son duo extra special!

We’re so glad to have Aidan, Christina, Gavin, and Jennifer as part of the Fairview O’Neal family!

Stay tuned for more Behind the Helmet spotlights! 👨‍🚒🚒

09/29/2026

🚒 Behind the Helmet: Rodney & Mary Bedenbaugh 🔥

This week, we’re shining the spotlight on two very special members of the Fairview O’Neal Fire Department family — Rodney and his wife, Mary Bedenbaugh! ❤️🚒

Rodney has dedicated an incredible 67 years to the fire service, including 35 years as former Chief of Fairview Fire Department. Although he has retired from the Chief’s role, Rodney continues to give back to our department today as our Treasurer. 👨‍🚒👏

For Rodney, one of the most rewarding parts of serving has always been helping his friends and neighbors during a time of need. After 67 years, his commitment to this community is truly something special. He also wants people to understand just how much training, time, and dedication goes into being a volunteer firefighter — often without pay.

Of course, Rodney isn’t the only Bedenbaugh making a difference around the department! Mary Bedenbaugh is a valued member of our Auxiliary Team and is one of the familiar faces helping keep our firefighters well-fed and taken care of. 🍽️❤️ Along with Mrs. Brenda, Mary helps prepare many of the suppers our crew enjoys at the station. And if you ask Rodney, he loves just about every meal they make! 😋

Rodney’s favorite piece of equipment is the fire truck itself 🚒 — because you never know what call is coming next, and having the right tools ready to go makes all the difference. Rodney’s safety reminder is one we can all take to heart: Be safe, be fire safe, and always have a plan to exit your home. 🏠🔥🚪

When they’re not serving our department, Rodney and Mary enjoy life together, and one of Rodney’s favorite local spots is Catch 22 in Chapin.

We are incredibly thankful for Rodney and Mary and for the many years of love, service, support, and dedication they have given to Fairview O’Neal Fire Department. They truly represent what it means to be a part of the fire department family. ❤️🚒
Thank you, Rodney & Mary, for everything you do! 👏🔥

Stay tuned for the next beyond the helmet spotlight!
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