Committee Report

May 1, 2025

H. 4445

Introduced by Rep. Forrest

S. Printed 5/1/25--H.

Read the first time April 30, 2025

________

The committee on House Invitations and Memorial Resolutions

To whom was referred a Concurrent Resolution (H. 4445) to request the Department of Transportation name South Carolina Highway 391 in Saluda County from the Lexington/Saluda County line extending one mile north the "Fire, etc., respectfully

Report:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass:

DENNIS MOSS for Committee.

_______

A concurrent RESOLUTION

To request the Department of Transportation name South Carolina Highway 391 in Saluda County from the Lexington/Saluda County line extending one mile north the "Fire Chief Chad Satcher Memorial Highway" and erect appropriate markers or signs at this location containing these words.

Whereas, born in Columbia, Chad Satcher was the son of George Lewis Satcher and the late Joye Taylor Satcher. A 1989 graduate of Batesburg-Leesville High School, he joined the Circle Fire Department that same year, rising to the rank of fire chief in 2023. Chief Satcher was one of two firefighters who lost their lives on September 27, 2024, when a tree fell on the cab of their fire truck while answering a Hurricane Helene-connected service call in Saluda County; and

Whereas, a licensed plumber by trade, Chief Satcher was a foreman for Derrick Plumbing where he had worked since 1992. He balanced his professional life with an unwavering passion for firefighting, amassing thousands of hours in training throughout what would become a thirty-five-year career. Highly respected within the firefighting community, he earned the prestigious title of Circle Fire Department "Fireman of the Year" on numerous occasions, including consecutive years 2015 to 2017, and most recently in 2022. He received the "Firefighter of the Year" award in 2017 from the Saluda County Fire Service. His certifications, such as Interior Structural Firefighter (1993), Firefighter II (1996), and Fire Officer I (2003), were a testament to his commitment to excellence in the fire service; and

Whereas, Chief Satcher was deeply invested in mentoring others, serving as the training officer for the Circle Fire Department, and working with various other departments. He also contributed to the Saluda County Fire Board and the Fire Prevention Committee, furthering his dedication to safety and education in his community; and

Whereas, a lifelong servant, Chief Satcher grew up attending Concord Baptist Church before becoming an active member of First Baptist Church of Leesville. He was known not only for his dedication to his work and community but also for being a beloved husband, father, and family man. His greatest joy in life was his wife Summer whom he married on April 21, 2001, and their son, Will. Chad and Summer were avid attendees of the South Carolina Fire Rescue Conference, sharing a passion for learning and service. Will follows in his father's footsteps as a firefighter, carrying on Chad's legacy of community service; and

Whereas, Chief Satcher joined the Boy Scouts as a youth, earning the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 509 at Nazareth Methodist Church, an honor achieved by only four percent of scouts, and he was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, reflecting his leadership and commitment from a young age. As an adult, he continued his service to the Muscogee Lodge as its health and safety advisor. One of the greatest achievements of his scouting journey was participating in multiple expeditions to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico in 1988 and 1989, scouting's premier high-adventure base. During the late 1990s, he returned to his scouting roots becoming a Cub Scout Master with Troop 509 at Nazareth Methodist Church; and

Whereas, Chief Chad Satcher lived a life rooted in service to God, family, and community, and gave his life answering that call to serve. It is only fitting and proper that his legacy is honored with a highway in Saluda County named in his memory. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, request the Department of Transportation name South Carolina Highway 391 in Saluda County from the Lexington/Saluda County line extending one mile north the "Fire Chief Chad Satcher Memorial Highway" and erect appropriate markers or signs at this location containing these words.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation.

----XX---