Firefighters association hosting presentations by Dr. David Griffin for emergency services

Monday, October 6, 2025 at 3:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

The Marshall County Firefighters Association will host a special presentation for firefighters, dispatchers, police officers, and their spouses or significant others this month.

The program titled “In Honor of The Charleston 9 – A Study of Change Following Tragedy” by Dr. David Griffin.

Griffin is the Assistant Chief of Administration in Charleston, South Carolina. He was the operator of the first engine on June 18, 2007, when nine of his fellow firefighters perished in a fire that was dispatched as a trash fire. The fire escalated into one of the most scrutinized events in national fire service history.

Griffin had the unfortunate experience of being the engineer on the first due engine that day. As he operated on the fireground, he witnessed things that he will never forget.

This seminar for first responders and their significant others will detail the heavy toll that this catastrophic event took on David Griffin’s life. It will discuss mental health and resiliency programs designed for emergency services since the incident and discuss operations, training, and leadership to help prevent a tragic event like that one.

The same seminar will be held on two different days and times to allow as many first responders from Marshall County and around the area to attend. There is no cost thanks to the Marshall County Commissioners and County Council for the fire grant funds.

The sessions are on Oct. 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Triton Junior-Senior High School Auditorium.

To attend, RSVP to John Grolich at jgrolich@plymouthfd.net.