Legendary Lowcountry firefighter to be honored with Order of the Palmetto

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCBD) – A man who is a firefighting legend to many will be awarded South Carolina’s highest civilian honor this weekend.

Don Wilkins is set to receive The Order of the Palmetto at the Berkeley County Emergency Training Center on Saturday at 10 a.m.

90-year-old Wilkins was the most senior instructor at the South Carolina Fire Academy when he retired in December 2024.

He has logged over 28,000 hours of instruction time.

“To say this is impressive is a massive understatement and is a feat that will probably remain unchallenged for as long as we will keep putting water on fire,” said Central Berkeley Assistant Fire Chief Colt Roy.