Isle of Hope volunteer fire department to remain independent after Chatham County contract approved

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - After months of negotiations, the Isle of Hope Volunteer Fire Department will stay independent under a newly approved contract with Chatham County.

County leaders had pushed to fold the volunteer department into the county’s fire operation, but Isle of Hope residents and department leadership argued the organization should remain locally run. Friday’s unanimous vote by county commissioners approved a compromise agreement that keeps the department in control of its day-to-day operations while establishing new oversight on the financial side.

“I’d hate to see it just go away and it’s not going to, so that’s a good thing,” said Fire Chief Tom Christiansen, whose family history with the department goes back decades. “My father was one of the founding members of this fire department in 1948, and I’ve been a certified firefighter since 1972.”

Under the agreement, Chatham County will manage the department’s finances — a point Christiansen said he’s still not thrilled about — but he emphasized the contract protects the department’s mission and presence in the community.

“You know I don’t like being at the whim of a politician, that’s kind of a little upsetting but I’m glad we have a contact and we can continue doing the good service that we’ve been doing out here for a long time,” Christiansen said.

The contract was shaped after a community meeting held Wednesday with county commissioners, including District 1 Commissioner Anthony “Wayne” Noha and Commission Chairman Chester Ellis.

“I believe this is in the best interest of Isle of Hope and is definitely their desire so I appreciate everyone’s support,” Noha said.

The agreement will pay the department about $32,000 per month and includes an automatic annual renewal. County officials said the deal allows Isle of Hope to maintain its independent status while ensuring transparency and continued service for residents.