Warm sendoff for Hathaway

Moultrie News July 18, 2024
 
This month’s Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce First Responder of the Month recognition featured a soon-retiring 36-year firefighter who loves to serve, but isn’t comfortable with being the recipient of public adulation.
 
While introducing his “right-hand man” at the July 18 Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, Isle of Palms Fire Chief Craig Oliverius shared Deputy Chief Richard Hathaway’s long journey, which began in Wichita, Kansas.
 
After making his bones as a “young pup” in the Sunflower State, Hathaway relocated to South Carolina, where he’s served in several roles, including fire chief in Cross.
 
Oliverius highlighted his colleague’s versatility in executing any task that came his way, from assisting on cardiac arrests to dousing building fires.
 
“What is so impressive to me is, here’s a guy who can sit at his computer and crank out a PowerPoint presentation. He can go to an overturned vehicle and there’s stuff all over the place, and he’s just as calm as can be rolling up hose or laying out extrication tools,” detailed Oliverius.
 
“If there’s a missing child on the beach that’s autistic, he’s there and he knows how to handle that with grace and professionalism.”
 
Seeing Hathaway retire on Oct. 21, continued Oliverius, is akin to losing a family member.
 
The longtime deputy chief will look to stay active during his new life phase, which may include instructing and/or practicing martial arts.
 
Hathaway was gifted by the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce with a handsome mantelpiece sponsored by Pinnacle Financial Partners.