Local resident recognized as a Dominion Energy Volunteer of the Year
May 4, 2026
Employee celebrated for over four decades of volunteer fire service
A Midlands resident with more than 40 years of service as a first responder has been honored as a 2026 Dominion Energy Volunteer of the Year.
James Brown, a supervisor at Dominion Energy’s Saluda Hydro facility outside of Columbia, was recognized for more than four decades of volunteer fire service. The Colleton County native began his career with Dominion Energy in 1985 at Canadys Station. During that time, he also spent over 40 years as a volunteer in the fire service, including 13 years as chief of the Belleville Volunteer Fire Department in Calhoun County, where he still serves as a member of its board.
“My mission became how big can I build the department, and how can I make it better,” Brown said. “We were always working to grow the department and to improve things.”
Brown has also dedicated more than three decades to supporting the “Peanut Gang” – a local grassroots volunteer group that includes many fellow company employees. What began as a small effort has grown into a sustained fundraising and outreach initiative supporting children with cancer. They raise as much as $50,000 annually to support organizations like Camp Happy Days and Camp Kemo, which provide camping experiences for children facing serious illnesses.
“Dominion Energy has been very supportive of my volunteer efforts and the organizations I support,” Brown said. “The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation donates money every year to Camp Happy Days.”
Each year, the “Peanut Gang” brings bushels of boiled peanuts and a much-needed sense of joy.
“It gives the kids a chance to be a normal kid,” Brown said. “They look forward to spending time at camp. That’s what it’s all about.”
While he plays a key role in organizing the effort, he is quick to redirect credit.
“It’s not only me. It’s a group of people that does this,” Brown said. “I don’t really look to get recognition for what I do. It’s an honor to think that somebody thought enough of what I’m doing to recognize it.”
In 2025, Dominion Energy employees volunteered 116,740 hours to communities the company serves. The Dominion Energy Benjamin J. Lambert III Volunteer of the Year Awards spotlight employees and retirees for outstanding individual efforts to improve their community. Brown was one of 10 winners selected this year for their outstanding contributions to education, the environment and other critical needs in the communities where they work and live.
About Dominion Energy
Dominion Energy (NYSE: D) provides regulated electricity service to 3.6 million homes and businesses in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and regulated natural gas service to 500,000 customers in South Carolina; is one of the nation’s leading developers and operators of regulated offshore wind and solar power; and is the largest producer of carbon-free electricity in New England. Through the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, as well as EnergyShare and other programs, Dominion Energy contributed more than $40 million in 2025 to community causes. The Foundation supports nonprofit causes that meet basic human needs, protect the environment, promote education, and encourage community vitality. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.
