Your Executive Board
We’re Working For You!
President – Josh Moskaitis
Josh Moskaitis proudly serves as the President of Columbia Professional Firefighters Local 793, where he advocates for the rights, safety, and well-being of firefighters across the capital city and Richland County. A United States Marine Corps veteran and a career firefighter with the Columbia Fire Department since 2016, Josh brings a unique blend of military discipline, public service, and servant-leadership to the role.
Josh holds a Master of Science in Homeland Security & Emergency Management from Purdue Global University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security & Emergency Management from Strayer University. He continues to dedicate himself to building a culture of resilience, brotherhood, and leadership – both within the fire service and the Columbia community.
Outside of the fire service, Josh enjoys life with his beautiful wife, Amanda, and their three dogs. In his free time, you can find him on the golf course, reading, hanging out with friends, watching college football, and the Washington Capitals.
You can contact Josh at [email protected]
1st Vice President Shaun Murphy.
2nd Vice President – Robert McConnell
Robert is a Senior Firefighter at Engine 3, Hazmat 1 for the City of Columbia. Robert has been a part of the Columbia Fire Department since 2020. He has a B.S. in Business Administration, Management, Operations and Supply Chain from the University of South Carolina. Robert comes from a long line of first responders, as his grandfather was a police officer in Connecticut and his godfather is a retired firefighter. Robert is a staunch believer in servant leadership, a philosophy he carries into every part of his life as both a firefighter and as the 2nd Vice President.
In his free time, Robert enjoys watching racing, college sports, and playing video games.
You can contact Robert at [email protected]
Secretary – Ryder Clemmo
Ryder Clemmo is a seasoned professional with a decade of service in the United States Marine Corps, where he was a member of the infantry and Marine Amphibious Reconnaissance.
Following his military service, he began a career with the City of Allentown Fire Department, Local 302. He served as an engineer and firefighter, operating a ladder truck and an engine apparatus.
In 2024, he joined the Columbia Fire Department. He is currently a senior firefighter on the 2nd shift, assigned to Rescue 4.
You can contact Ryder at [email protected].
Treasurer – Guz Gonzalez
Gus Gonzalez is a Fire Engineer at Engine 16 and has served as Treasurer for the Union for the past two years. He has been with the City of Columbia Fire Department since 2016. Gus holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Economic Affairs.
Outside of work, Gus enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and son, along with their two dogs and two cats. He also enjoys working on vintage cars and problem-solving.
You can contact Gus at [email protected].
Director of Media Relations – Holly Poag
Holly Poag has over 4 years of experience as a communications professional. She worked with The State Newspaper and the Post and Courier, covering local news across the Midlands. Now, she serves as a communications manager for a small, liberal-arts university in South Carolina.
Holly holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina. She is working on her Master’s of Science in Management and Leadership from Coker University and expects to graduate in May 2026. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and gardening.
You can contact Holly at [email protected]