Union County leadership has recognized Assistant Fire Marshal Chad Baucom with the Lifesaver Award for his heroic actions while vacationing with his family at Litchfield Beach, South Carolina.

While at the beach on Wednesday, June 18, Baucom heard a cry for help coming from the ocean. Without hesitation, he and a bystander acted quickly to run into the water, place an unconscious man on a boogie board and bring him to shore. When they got to shore, local police had arrived, and they began administering chest compressions. Baucom then applied an automated external defibrillator (AED) to the man's chest and took over chest compressions.

When local firefighters and paramedics arrived, Baucom continued to assist and helped load the patient into an ambulance to be taken to a nearby hospital. 

"Even while off duty and on vacation with his family, Chad didn’t hesitate to take action when someone was in danger. His quick thinking and selfless response reflect the very best of our public safety professionals," said County Manager Brian Matthews.

County Management surprised Baucom with the award at the Emergency Services Center on Aug. 1, 2025.

"As firefighters, we are always ready to respond whether we're on duty or not. This award recognizes not only Chad’s actions, but his instinct to help others that defines who we are, wherever we are," said Fire Marshal Jon Williams.