Awendaw-McClellanville Fire Department dedicates newest fire truck

AWENDAW, S.C. (WBCD) – The Awendaw-McClellanville Fire Department dedicated its newest fire truck to Edward “Jenner” Wood.

Jenner was four years old when he passed away back in March 2023. Since then, local leaders worked to get one of his legacy onto one of his favorite things – red fire trucks.

“There’s pictures of him with firemen helmets on, in the station, even with a dalmatian I think,” Michael Burris, CEO of South Carolina Policy Council and a Wood family friend, said. “It’s appropriate, his love of a certain thing being fire trucks – what better way to memorialize and honor his name and memory than to have his name affixed to one, especially a big red one.”

The fire department held a dedication ceremony for the brand new engine 904, that is “one of one in the world.” The tribute included a speech from the fire chief, a blessing from the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy, and a traditional “wet-down” and “push-in” ceremony.

“We allowed Jenner’s family and his younger brother first, to wet-down the unit, to make it special, to really symbolize this is their truck,” Chris Nash, assistant chief of administrations, said. “This is their brother’s truck, this is their son’s truck.”

Burris said although the family lives in Charlotte, they also spend some time in McClellanville, which makes Jenner’s dedication that much more special.

“The fact that his name is affixed to this truck, which is going to go out into this community that he knew, and serve people in their worst hours and bring hope in the face of darkness – I think is a huge testament to the child he was, the family and friends he grew up, and the greater Charleston community,” Burris said.

Nash said how important this fire engine and his legacy is to the station.

“It’s very special. You know he’s riding with us on every call,’ Nash said. “Just like every young boy, myself included, when I was younger I loved those red fire trucks. And talking with Jenner’s family, he loved red fire trucks, just as much as I did myself, and that really touched us all here. It just makes it really special to know we’re carrying his name with every call, every call for help.”