'Basically Family'

Firefighters retire after nearly 60 years of combined service

(Release: Jan. 31, 2023)

Simpsonville, S.C. — After 57 years of combined service, Lieutenant Nick Boone and Engineer Frank Crowe have retired from the Simpsonville Fire Department.

At a party in celebration of their service and retirement on Friday, Boone and Crowe both said they will miss most the friendships with their fellow firefighters.

"I think the fellowship and camaraderie that I had with the guys was the most enjoyable part of being a firefighter," said Boone, who served three decades with Simpsonville. "I know that's the part that I miss the most right now — being around the guys."

Crowe, who served 27 years, echoed Boone.

"I'll miss just the brotherhood, helping people and hanging out with the guys," Crowe said. "With the way that we work 24 hours on and 48 hours off, we're basically family."

Former Simpsonville Fire Department firefighters Lieutenant Nick Boone and Engineer Frank Crowe are joined by their fellow firefighters at a party celebrating their nearly 60 years of combined service | City of Simpsonville

Boone and Crowe's fellow firefighters threw them a retirement party in Simpsonville on North Main Street on Jan. 27, 2023. In attendance was Chief Wesley Williams, who said he will most miss Boon and Crowe's experience and dependability.

"Boone and Crowe have been able to pass on their knowledge and experience through the years," Williams said. "They've been excellent mentors to the younger guys, and over time, what they've invested in these guys will definitely pay off."

Williams added that Boone and Crowe cannot pass on all that they have learned; some lessons come with your own experience.

"You can talk about certain experiences in the fire service and share those with your colleagues, but until you actually go through those experiences yourself, you really don't know how they're going to impact you," Williams said. 

Simpsonville Fire Chief Wesley Williams (left of axe award) said recent retirees Lieutenant Nick Boone and Engineer Frank Crowe passed on knowledge and experience to the younger firefighters with the Simpsonville Fire Department | City of Simpsonville

After decades of fighting fires, Boone and Crowe definitely have plans for retirement.

"I plan on doing a little camping and working part-time somewhere," Boone said. "Just enjoy life now."

"I'll be kicking back and doing a little hunting, a little fishing and a little bit of vacation time," Crowe said.