Columbia, S.C. Honors First Responder with Annual New Roof Giveaway

Columbia, S.C. Celebrates First Responder with New Roof Giveaway

In a heartwarming display of gratitude, CMS Roofing has once again held its annual new roof giveaway, extending a helping hand to first responders in the Midlands. This year, the honored recipient was none other than Senior Columbia-Richland Firefighter Kevin O’Brien, who received a stunning new roof for his home on Saturday, November 2nd.

A Firefighter’s Dedication

Firefighter O’Brien’s remarkable career spans decades, with five of those years dedicated to serving in the Midlands. He’s a proud recipient of both the Medal of Valor and The Phoenix Award — accolades that truly reflect his unwavering commitment and hard work. When the opportunity for a new roof presented itself, he had his doubts. “It was going to be a big strain on us,” said O’Brien. “I thought why not apply? We never win anything, but you never know what could happen.”

Imagine the surprise and joy O’Brien experienced when he learned he was the lucky winner! The emotional moment came amid his busy schedule as a firefighter, leading him to actually miss the call that delivered the good news. “I thought it was a spam call,” he recalled, laughing at the irony. Thankfully, his fiancé, Annie Eaton, was there to take the call. “It was a little bit surreal,” said Eaton. “I thought we didn’t win, and then all of a sudden, it was ‘We’d like to come in two weeks and give you a free roof.’” Can you imagine that mix of tension and excitement?

From Maryland to the Midlands

O’Brien originally hails from Maryland, having relocated to the Midlands in 2015. He kicked off his firefighting journey volunteering with the Columbia-Richland Fire Department while attending the University of South Carolina. Eaton, who comes from Florida, shares a similar passion for community service, working with a nonprofit. Together, they moved into their home about a year and a half ago, only to discover that it had an aging roof with leaks and other issues.

This shiny new roof is a game changer for the couple. “It was almost an immediate burden off our shoulders,” O’Brien remarked. “We don’t have to figure out how we’re going to scrape together and replace our roof for the next year.” Can you feel the relief wash over them?

Giving Back to Heroes

Thanks to a partnership with GAF, CMS Roofing has made it a mission to gift new roofs to first responders every year at their three branches across the state. In 2023, another deserving first responder, police officer Chris Manuel, received a free roof for his diligent work in the Town of Springdale and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.

Mike Curcil, the owner of CMS Roofing, expressed how rewarding it is to help those who help others. “In O’Brien’s situation, it really moved me because the homeowners here give back,” Curcil shared. “They were in need of a roof, so we were able to provide that.” The heartfelt sentiments behind the giveaway remind everyone of the importance of community support.

A Future without Worries

Now, O’Brien and Eaton can focus on serving their community without worrying about their home. “That’s a 50-year shingle and it has a warranty with it for these folks, so they won’t have to worry about their roof for numbers of decades,” Curcil explained. “It’s going to be really wind resistant and excellent for them for the future.”

On the day of the installation, employees from CMS Roofing gathered to celebrate this special moment. “Everyone coming together just like Kevin does on a daily basis,” said Megan Matthews, an Administrative Assistant with CMS Roofing. “He is here for the Columbia area and serving people, so it’s great we can all do it together.” It’s truly a beautiful reminder of how communities can come together to support each other.

Thanks to CMS Roofing, O’Brien and Eaton are ready to continue their journey of community service, all while enjoying the peace of mind that a new roof overhead brings!