First Responder Friday: Capt. Zach Cottrell

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — It’s time for another edition of First Responder Friday as News13 honors Grand Strand and Pee Dee first responders.

This week’s nominee is Captain Zach Cottrell with the Horry County Fire Rescue Training Division.

For more than a decade, Cottrell has been a dedicated member of Horry County Fire Rescue, and for the past seven years, he’s taken on the responsibility of training the department’s newest recruits. It’s a task that’s both a great responsibility and passion for him.

“Ultimately, I know it’s not about me,” Cottrell said. “It’s everything I can give back to those students to make sure that they’re successful.”

Cottrell is known for his infectious energy, which he says comes from a desire to honor the memory of those who invested in him.

“I am always here to give back what has been gifted to me,” he said. “I feel like I have to keep bringing that energy to give it to the next group.”

One of those mentors, former Capt. Neil Bell, left a lasting impression on Cottrell.

“He gave a really good vision of what a fireman is and what you can aspire to be — selfless dedication to this area and everything,” Cottrell said.

Training new firefighters is no easy task, and Cottrell takes pride in ensuring that each recruit is prepared for the physical, mental and emotional challenges of the job.

His leadership style is known for being both humble and passionate, qualities that help him connect with his students on a personal level.

“Every single year, every single student that we have, we try to take as much of a one-on-one approach as possible,” Cottrell said. “It’s difficult at times with such large classes, but we definitely try to find what makes each person successful in what they do.”

Cottrell emphasized the importance of being safety-minded and preparing trainees for the unpredictable nature of firefighting.

“The most chaotic scenes tend to just get fixed because of how everybody’s training comes together when it’s that time,” he said. “That’s what I take the most away — that I’ve had an impact in making sure that everybody knows where they need to be and what they need to do.”

While Cottrell’s dedication to his students is clear, his biggest inspiration comes from his role at home as a husband and father. He carries that love with him even when he’s on the job.

“Every time I put that helmet on, I see her,” Cottrell said of his daughter. “I’m just trying to make sure that everything I do is a good reflection. So that I can be the best mentor to the students that I have and the best father I can be when I get home and husband.”

Cottrell sees his role as more than just a job — it’s about molding future firefighters who will serve the Horry County community.

“I enjoy watching them grow,” he said. “I enjoy knowing that they’re out there right now because we spent the time together. They did the work, but we spent the time together.”

If you would like to nominate someone for First Responder Friday, send an email to wbtwnews@nexstar.tv Tell us why you chose that person and attach a photo.

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Savannah Denton joined News 13 in July 2023 as a reporter and producer. Savannah is from Atlanta, Georgia, and is a graduate of the University of Alabama. Follow Savannah on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here .

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