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Horry County mourns loss of firefighter

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January 08, 2015 | SOUTH CAROLINA BRIAN VANAERNEM, Correspondent
This article is a direct street report from our correspondent and has not been edited by the 1st Responder newsroom.

Mitch came to Horry County Fire Rescue in 2006. He was quickly noticed by his fellow Firemen and Officers as a young man with very strong potential. He proved this over time as he was moved around to help develop his skills as a Fireman and a EMT. Mitch cared about every aspect of his job, all the people he interacted with and helped along the way. Mitch became known at the firehouse as the guy who was very detailed orientated, he was extremely meticulous about his equipment and took a lot of pride in making sure things not only operated well but looked good too.

Over time Mitch became the go to guy on any difficult call. He moved with a purpose and was always ready. He was very well respected not only by his fellow Firemen but by his Company Officers and Chief Officers as well. Anyone who knew Mitch could tell that he was extremely proud to be a firemen and we were extremely proud of the Fireman and man he had become. Mitch worked hard to pass this passion on to the next generation, always getting new Firemen to work with and help develop.

In remembering Mitch there is not one story that doesn't involve a tale about his smile and the passion that he would tell his stories.

Mitch was so passionate about his job that his wife, Jen, soon followed in his footsteps. Jen was often seen around the Firehouse training and working towards her goal. She is currently employed by North Myrtle Beach Fire.

Mitch will be missed by all who had the privilege to work and interact with him. His shoes will be very hard to fill for he was that guy! God Bless you Mitch, we love you and we will think of you every day.

Visitation will be at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel Friday January 9th from 4-7pm.

A memorial service will be held at Beach Church, Saturday January 10th at 2pm with an apparatus processional to follow ending at Calibakers in Highway 17. Uniformed personnel are asked to wear the highest class uniform they have. Seating will be reserved for uniformed members as well as non-uniformed public safety personnel.

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BRIAN VANAERNEMCorrespondent

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