| Pelham Batesville Fire Department |-Featured Fire Fighters



Mark Burns \| Firefighter

Experience Mark has been employed with our department since June 2005. He began his career in 1989 as a Volunteer at Campobello Fire Department. He worked part-time at Boiling Springs Fire Department in 2004. Education Mark graduated from R.S. Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem, NC and Forsyth Technical College with a degree in auto mechanics. Interests Mark enjoys spending time with his wife, Tracy and his two girls, Haley and Brittney.

Thomas Hill \| Engineer/EMT-B

Experience Thomas has been employed with our department since July 1999. He works with our Fire Prevention Team. He also volunteers at Boiling Springs Fire Department. Education Thomas graduated from Riverside High School and from Greenville Technical College with a degree in Welding. Professional Organizations Thomas is a member of the South Carolina Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1. Interests Thomas is married to Tiffany and has a daughter, Ayden. He enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, and anything outdoors. He enjoys going to the lake, mountains, and the beach.

Dr. Ben Dillard \| Treasurer, Board of Fire Control	top of page

Experience Dr. Ben Dillard has served as a Commissioner on our Board of Fire Control since June 1988. Ben currently serves as Senior Vice President at Greenville Technical College. He began his career with Greenville Tech in 1998 as Director of Continuing Education. He was promoted to Vice President for Corporate and Economic Development and in January 2004 was named Executive Vice President for the college. Ben came to Greenville Tech with 25 years of corporate and manufacturing experience. He served as Operations Manager for Kelmar Industries and as Site Manager, Operations Manager and Manager of Contract Operations for Dow Chemical. Education Ben graduated from Greer High School. He has the following degrees: -B.A. from Newberry College -Masters Degree in Human Resource Development from Clemson University -Doctorate in Education from Clemson University Professional Organizations In addition to serving on our board, Ben is very active in our community. Since 1999, he serves on the board of directors of the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership. He also serves on the Greenville County Workforce Investment Act—Workforce Development Board. He is a member of the advisory board for Clemson University Educational Leadership programs and an active member of the Greenville Downtown Rotary Club. Interests He enjoys reading, golfing, fishing, gardening, and home projects. He has three children—2 sons and a daughter—and nine grandchildren. The daughter and one son lives in the Greer area and the other son lives in Seattle, Washington.

Brooks Felt \| Volunteer Firefighter/EMT-B	top of page

Experience Brooks has served as a volunteer firefighter for our department since November 2006. Brooks started out his firefighting career at Wingate Volunteer Fire Department in Wingate, NC in September 2005. Brooks is still new to the fire service but enjoys serving his community is both states. Brooks plans to become a career firefighter after he finishes school. Education Brooks graduated from J.L. Mann High School in 2005. He will graduate from Wingate University in 2009 with a BS degree in Parks & Recreation Administration. Interests Brooks’ parents are David and Susie Felt. He has a brother, Tyler, who is a junior at J.L. Mann. Brooks enjoys spending time with friends and family—be it in the woods, on a boat or at the beach. He likes to spend time with his girlfriend Suzanne and his dogs, Hershey and Jack. Brooks attends Advent United Methodist Church and enjoys life to its fullest.

David Kennedy \| Aerial Operator/EMT-B	top of page

Experience David has been employed with our department since November 1999. He began his career in 1992 as a Junior Firefighter at Cherokee Springs Fire Department. Education David graduated from Boiling Springs High School and Central Texas College. Professional Organizations David is a member of the SC Fireman's Association and the Spartanburg County Fire Investigation Team. Interests David enjoys spending time with his wife, Leslie and his two daughters, Caroline-6 years old and Caitlyn-4 years old. He enjoys golfing, hunting, fishing, woodworking, and cattle.