Hi, I’m Drew. I  am a full time firefighter in Upstate SC,  and serve as a Rescue Specialist with South Carolina Task Force 1. I’ve been fortunate to be deeply involved in many aspects of technical rescue, from water and rope to structural collapse and confined space operations. Those real-world experiences—both the successes and the hard lessons—have shaped my approach to instruction and my drive to help others grow in this field.

Black Wake Rescue LLC was born out of a desire to provide realistic, affordable, and standards-based technical rescue training to departments that need it most. I take pride in building programs that are not only compliant with NFPA 2500 but rooted in practical application. Whether you're taking your first awareness course, testing your limits in swiftwater, or training for boat ops, our team is committed to preparing you for the real thing.

More than anything, I find it rewarding to see students we've trained go out and make successful rescues in their own communities. That’s what this work is all about—passing on the knowledge, building trust in the process, and having each other’s backs when it counts.

Colby Dudley proudly serves with the Holly Springs Fire Department, where he brings leadership, experience, and a strong sense of duty to his role. With a deep commitment to public safety and teamwork, Colby plays an active role in both emergency response and community engagement. His dedication to the fire service is matched by his drive to continually grow as a leader and support those around him.

Outside the firehouse, Colby enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle. Whether he’s watching Auburn football, Red Sox baseball, fishing, hunting, kayaking, or scuba diving, he finds balance and adventure in nature. He’s also a devoted family man, proud to raising a son with strong values and a love for the outdoors. Colby brings the same energy and passion to his personal life as he does to serving his community.

John Kofoet is a dedicated Firefighter with the Myrtle Beach Fire Department, where he proudly serves his community through emergency response, fire suppression, and life safety operations. Before beginning his fire service career, John spent four years honorably serving in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His time in the military instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and leadership that continues to guide his work in the fire service today. In addition to his role with Myrtle Beach Fire, John serves as a member of South Carolina Task Force 1 (SC-TF1) and South Carolina Task Force 2 (SC-TF2), specialized urban search and rescue teams that respond to large-scale disasters and complex incidents both in the state and across the nation. Through this work, he has trained extensively in technical rescue, disaster response, and interagency coordination, further broadening his skill set and ability to adapt in high-pressure environments.

Outside of the job, John finds his greatest joy in his family. He and his wife, Erika, are proud parents to their daughter, Paisley, who will soon be celebrating her first birthday. John values the balance between his professional commitments and family life, finding purpose in both serving the public and cherishing the time he spends at home. With a background rooted in service, both to his country and his community, John brings a wealth of experience, resilience, and dedication to every role he takes on.

Bryson Jeffords has dedicated the past 18 years of his life to the fire service, building his career in Dorchester County, where he was born and raised. Growing up near the water sparked a lifelong passion that naturally evolved into a specialization in water-related emergencies. Whether it's performing rescues or leading recovery missions, Bryson has developed a reputation as someone people can depend on when every second counts. His deep roots in the community and steady presence in critical moments have made him a trusted figure both on and off the water.

Beyond the front lines, Bryson is equally committed to shaping the future of emergency response. He trains others in technical and water rescue, sharing hard-earned knowledge to ensure the next generation is ready. As an active member of the Dorchester County Water Rescue Team and South Carolina Task Force 1, he plays a key role in elite operations across the region. Known for his laid-back humor and approachable nature, Bryson also stands out for his strong sense of responsibility and lead-by-example approach. Off duty, he enjoys time with his wife, Colleen and their three grown children Caroline, Sophia and Alex—balancing the seriousness of his work with a well-earned sense of ease.

Matthew Garrett has dedicated over 17 years to serving his community in the fire service, building a career marked by professionalism, skill, and commitment to saving lives. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive experience in emergency response, fire suppression, and specialized rescue operations.

In 2012, Matthew became a certified Swift Water Technician, opening the door to a new level of service in water-based emergencies. Since then, he has completed multiple advanced swift water classes to refine his expertise and has deployed to four major hurricanes, where his skills were vital in rescue and recovery operations. 

Adding to his capabilities, Matthew is also a certified diver, further enhancing his ability to operate in challenging water environments. His combination of fire service experience and technical rescue training makes him a valuable asset both to his department and to the people he serves. With nearly two decades of dedication, Matthew Garrett continues to embody the core values of service, bravery, and lifelong learning in the fire and rescue profession.

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Jerry Jackson is a Captain with the Lake Cunningham Fire Department and has dedicated his life to rescue since joining the fire service in 2006 at just 15 years old. With nearly two decades of experience, he leads with calm under pressure, proven leadership, and a commitment to building stronger, safer teams.

A lifelong waterman, Jerry spends much of his time boating, fishing, and training — blending his passion for the water with his dedication to rescue. Family, service, and safety are at the heart of everything he does, making him uniquely equipped to prepare others for the real-world challenges of emergency response.

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Social Media Coordinator

Kyle Turner brings eight years of experience in the fire service and currently serves full time with New Prospect Fire Department. With a strong background in public safety and a passion for communication, Kyle is stepping into the role of Social Media Coordinator for Black Wake Rescue.

Outside of the fire service, Kyle has spent the past six years developing his skills as a photographer, a hobby that fuels his creativity and eye for detail. 

In his free time, he enjoys being outdoors—hunting, fishing, and practicing archery.

Through his professional experience and personal passions, Kyle is committed to supporting Black Wake Rescue’s mission and sharing its story with the community.

Bio Coming Soon