Rescue Squad Celebrates Milestone, Honors Deputies Shot In The Line Of Duty


L to R: Cpl. Kimber Gist, Chief Bill Salisbury and Captain Will Rogers (Now Retired)


On Friday night, the Berkeley County Rescue Squad held its annual Christmas dinner at Wampee in Pinopolis. As always, the food was amazing.

We also celebrated a huge milestone. It's hard to believe, but we've been in operation for 50 years now and still going strong. We hope to be around serving the community for many more years to come!

In attendance at last night's dinner were also two very special guests: Cpl. Kimber Gist and Captain Will Rogers with the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office. Both were shot in the line of duty nine months apart from one another.

Kimber & Will share a hug.


Chief Bill Salisbury and the rest of the rescue squad honored them both with the "Hero of the Year" award.

"I was able to see, and stand beside Captain Will Rogers, whom I share a tragic and blessed event with. I cannot thank the citizens of Berkeley County enough for their love, prayers, and support through this trying time," Gist stated. "Thank you for the honor at tonight's dinner and please continue to pray for both of our recoveries. It's still a long road, but nothing is impossible without Jesus Christ who is our strength."


Every year, the squad honors individuals who help others--especially in life or death situations.

Last year, we honored Michael Widener who helped saved a child from drowning during a birthday party at Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner.

Also in attendance on December 3, 2016 was Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis. We were closely with his agency.
Pictured: Sheriff Duane Lewis
During the dinner he spoke of Will and Kimber's recovery.

"God's hands were with the surgeons and really saved their lives. Everywhere I go, every chance I get, I pray for people at both those hospitals because that's the reason they're here," stated Lewis at the dinner.


We were fortunate enough to have Berkeley County Supervisor Bill Peagler in attendance as well.

Pictured: Bill Peagler
During the dinner, Chief Salisbury also issued several other awards to squad members. Squad members Nikki Gaskins and Todd Hicks both received the "Chief's Award" for generating funds for the rescue squad this year.
L to R: Todd Hicks, Nikki Gaskins and Chief Bill Salisbury

Longtime squad member, Joe Harvey, received the "Member of the Year" Award last night. Unfortunately, he was unable to make it to last night's dinner.

On a final note, THANK YOU to the Berkeley County community for continuing to support us. We appreciate it!!!

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