Tim Wojcik
Chief
With over 35 years of experience in emergency services and crisis management, Tim brings a wealth of expertise in leadership development, public safety, and behavioral health. As a Maxwell Team certified leadership trainer, coach, and speaker, he has spent more than a decade facilitating workshops and delivering dynamic presentations based on proven leadership and character development principles.
Chief Wojcik holds a master’s degree in adult education and is an accomplished educator, facilitator and curriculum designer. He has served as an instructor at the collegiate level, teaching organizational leadership and emergency management, and is a certified FEMA Basic Academy and ICS instructor.
Having begun his career as an ocean rescue specialist and volunteer rescue squad member, Tim progressed through the ranks of the fire and emergency medical services, transitioning to full time emergency management after 30 years. In his career, he has served as a battalion level officer, fire and paramedic instructor, fire investigator, fire marshal. He has held prominent roles such as chief of staff to the state fire marshal and deputy director of a large EMS agency. He has provided leadership during 15 federal disasters and currently serves as an Emergency Support Function Lead on South Carolina’s State Emergency Response Team. Additionally, he consults on state and national projects, leveraging his expertise in crisis leadership, emergency management, behavioral health, and ceremonial protocol.
As a licensed minister and certified public safety chaplain, he is dedicated to supporting the spiritual and emotional needs of first responders and their families. He has also served as an inpatient and emergency room chaplain for over six years and volunteers as the wellness program coordinator and chaplain with South Carolina Responder Support Initiative. Chief Wojcik remains deeply committed to fostering mental wellness among emergency responders and raising awareness about behavioral health challenges.
Tim and his wife, Nikki, live in West Columbia, SC and have 4 children, two of which are working in public safety. They are very active in their church, enjoy family game nights and camping.
Byron Martinson
Deputy Chief
Jamie Blair
Assistant Chief
Jamie Blair has over two decades of hands-on experience in Emergency and Disaster Management, having effectively managed a diverse range of natural and man-made emergencies across the globe.
Jamie holds a Certified Emergency Manager® (CEM) designation from the International Association of Emergency Managers, a Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) credential from the Disaster Recovery Institute International, and a Certified Public Manager (CPM) certification through the National Certified Public Manager® Consortium. He has a Master of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management from American Military University and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice/Public Administration from Cumberland University. Additionally, Jamie is a graduate of FEMA’s National Emergency Management Advanced Academy and the prestigious Executive Academy’s Cohort V.
With a robust background as a First Responder (Paramedic, Flight Medic, and Firefighter) with extensive experience at the County, State, and Federal levels, Jamie has been on the frontlines of numerous significant events including Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike, the 2006 Comair Crash, the 2007 California Wildfires, and the 2010 Haiti Earthquake. More recently, he has played a pivotal role in the response to Hurricanes Matthew, Irma, and Florence, and has been actively involved in the COVID-19 response since February 2020. Jamie also served with distinction in the U.S. Navy Reserves as a Corpsman, providing essential support to the Marine Corps Infantry (3/24 India).
After a distinguished career in the Government sector, Jamie now serves as the Business Continuity Strategist for AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, where he is responsible for developing comprehensive plans, conducting training, and organizing exercises to ensure the resilience and quick recovery of banking systems and services in the face of disasters.
Previously, Jamie was the Director of the Division of Preparedness Health and Emergency Preparedness at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. There, he led the agency’s Emergency Management team, oversaw grant programs like the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP), and directed the Division of EMS Overdose and Prevention.
Jamie is married for 29 years and is the proud father of two daughters, ages 20 and 23. He shares his home with a Dutch Shepherd service dog, a Siberian Husky, a Golden Retriever, and three cats. An active community member, Jamie serves as a Deacon in his church and enjoys woodworking in his spare time.
Kymberly Wojcik
Assistant Chief
Kymberly Wojcik is currently an Advanced EMT, dedicated to serving her community in that role as well as a firefighter and hazmat technician. With a passion for emergency services and a commitment to professional growth, she is currently pursuing her paramedic certification to further expand her skill set and contribute to the field at a higher level. Kymberly’s journey in emergency response is deeply rooted in her belief in the importance of continuous learning and service. She serves as the Secretary for the South Carolina Responder Support Initiative (SC-RSI), where she focuses on advocating for resources and support tailored to first responders, particularly those from younger generations. Recognizing that the future of emergency services lies in the hands of those entering the field today, Kymberly is committed to raising awareness about the unique challenges and needs of younger first responders, ensuring they are equipped for success. Outside of her professional life, Kymberly enjoys spending quality time with her family and exploring new adventures. Whether it’s hiking, traveling, or discovering fresh experiences, she thrives on pushing boundaries and embracing the unexpected. Her drive to excel in both her personal and professional life reflects her holistic approach to being not just a responder, but a well-rounded individual dedicated to making a meaningful impact. With a clear vision for the future of first responders, Kymberly continues to balance her demanding career, ongoing education, and community involvement, all while remaining grounded in her passion for service and adventure
Wally Bledsoe
Board Member
David Davis
Board Member
Rob Garman
Board Member
Bryce Wojcik
Board Member
Bryce is a dedicated and skilled public safety professional with a diverse background in both telecommunications and firefighting. Over the years, he has developed a comprehensive set of technical and emergency response skills that allows him to serve his community effectively. His career began in telecommunications, where he contributed significantly to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and has since expanded into an emergency response role as a firefighter/EMT for the West Columbia Fire Department. From May 3, 2021, to September 22, 2023, he worked as a Telecommunications Specialist in the SCDNR’s Radio Room. In this role, he was responsible for operating the statewide radio console system, a critical communication infrastructure that connects various departments and agencies throughout South Carolina. Additionally, he managed the Operation Game Thief (OGT) hotline, which provides a direct channel for citizens to report illegal hunting and fishing activities. This role required proficiency in both technology and emergency communication, ensuring all radio systems were functioning smoothly at all times. Bryce also maintained all radio equipment, swiftly identifying issues and reporting those that could not be resolved independently to his supervisors. Maintaining relevant certifications and constantly improving his technical knowledge were essential to his success in this position. In October 2023, he transitioned to the West Columbia Fire Department, an urban, career fire department serving the city of West Columbia. The department is known for its exceptional response capabilities, with an ISO rating of 1, the highest rating achievable. As a firefighter/EMT, he is part of a dedicated team that responds to emergency situations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The West Columbia Fire Department protects the approximately 18,000 residents of the city, covering an area of 8.9 square miles. Bryce is passionate about providing fire protection and emergency medical services, ensuring the safety and well-being of both the citizens and visitors of the city. His commitment to public service is evident in his ability to navigate complex technical challenges in telecommunications and his hands-on dedication to saving lives and property as a firefighter. The combination of these roles demonstrates his versatility and deep commitment to community safety and service. As he continues his career, Bryce aims to further contribute to the safety of the West Columbia community while continuing to refine his skills and certifications in all aspects of emergency response.
South Carolina - Responder Support Initiative 