18 years of service lead to new leadership role for Bluffton firefighter

BLUFFTON, Sc. (WTOC) - The Bluffton Township Fire District has promoted James Thomas to battalion chief for Shift 3, assigned to Station 38.

His promotion took effect Aug. 29. Thomas was officially pinned during the Fire Commission Board meeting Oct. 20, with his wife, two sons, father and stepmother attending alongside co-workers and district leadership.

Thomas joined the district on Aug. 11, 2008, beginning his career on Shift 3. He earned national and South Carolina emergency medical technician certifications in September 2009.

He was promoted to lieutenant in 2020 and moved to Shift 2, where he most recently served as lieutenant of Ladder 333.

During his 18-year career, Thomas has served on the district’s hazardous materials team and worked as an aerial apparatus driver and operator for Truck 335 and Ladder 333.

In 2018, he deployed to Horry County following Hurricane Florence as part of an engine company providing coverage for Horry County Fire Rescue stations.

Thomas earned the Fire Officer designation from the Commission on Professional Credentialing, a program of the Center for Public Safety Excellence, in May 2026. He also earned his Fire Officer III certification in September.