A life dedicated to public service and saving lives has been the driving force behind Assistant Chief Nathan Prouse’s 21-year career in the fire service. A second-generation firefighter, Prouse joined the St. John’s Fire District in 2024 after spending much of his career outside of Columbia. A recent call to action involving a possible drowning on Johns Island highlighted the importance of training and preparation, reinforcing Prouse’s commitment to his team and their ability to respond effectively in emergencies.
A Life of Service
Nathan Prouse’s career in the fire service runs deep, stemming from a family tradition of firefighting. “I’m a second-generation fireman. My father was a fireman, and so I was just looking to continue that tradition,” he explained. Since joining the fire service, Prouse has worked tirelessly to hone his skills and pass down the values of dedication and service to his team.
When Prouse joined the St. John’s Fire District in 2024, he brought with him years of experience, which would soon prove invaluable. Just last week, a call for a possible drowning would test the team’s ability to respond under pressure.
The Drowning Incident
Prouse was in his office when the call came in about a possible drowning. He was the first to respond, quickly arriving at the scene. Upon hearing the desperate cries of the victim’s husband, Prouse rushed to the backyard, where he saw an inground pool and the husband struggling to keep his wife above water.
Without hesitation, Prouse jumped into the pool and immediately pulled the woman to safety. He began performing CPR and compressions while awaiting EMS. “Once Charleston County EMS arrived on scene and began to intervene with advanced life support, we began to see changes,” Prouse recalled. Despite the team’s best efforts, the victim ultimately passed away. However, the timely and skilled response from Prouse and his crew allowed the family to say their goodbyes.
Pride in His Crew
While the outcome of the incident was tragic, Prouse takes immense pride in how his team responded. “Their character, their pride for what they do in their profession really showed,” he said. Even in difficult situations, Prouse emphasized the importance of allowing families the time they need to be together, which was made possible by the quick, professional actions of his crew.
The experience reinforced Prouse’s belief in the value of training. “If you aren’t training, you are preparing to fail,” he said, underscoring the necessity of continuous learning and skill-building in the fire service. Prouse is committed to ensuring that his team is always prepared for any emergency, no matter the circumstances.
Looking for Quality Firefighters
As the St. John’s Fire District continues to grow and face new challenges, Prouse is always looking for dedicated, skilled individuals to join the team. “We are always looking for quality firefighters,” he said, highlighting the importance of having a strong, capable team that is ready for any situation.
Assistant Chief Nathan Prouse’s recent experience on Johns Island is a powerful reminder of the critical role that firefighters play in saving lives and supporting families through challenging times. While the outcome of the drowning incident was heartbreaking, Prouse’s pride in his team’s performance and his commitment to continuous training show the true essence of what it means to serve in the fire service. With his leadership, the St. John’s Fire District remains dedicated to providing the highest level of care and support to the community.
