Beaufort Co. leaders consider consolidating fire departments to save money, improve response times

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - After two years of discussing the idea of merging fire departments, Beaufort County is now trying to move it forward.

Fire chiefs whose departments are north of the Broad River met with the Beaufort County Council this week to talk about consolidation.

Leaders say this was the first conversation, and those chiefs want to welcome chiefs of the departments south of the Broad into future talks to do what’s best for the county.

They discussed the potential impacts of combining fire stations on the county and what to consider before taking the next step.

From the meeting, most fire chiefs were all for looking into the idea but want to make sure they do what’s best for the citizens they serve.

“I see this as an opportunity to innovate and see what works,” said Beaufort County Council Member David Bartholomew. “It doesn’t have to necessarily lead to consolidation, but maybe we can help close those gaps. Have the conversations now, open, honest, and close any of those deficiencies and make things better.”

“We’re the innovators in leadership, we’re the innovators in training, we’re the innovators in new technology, we are looked at and sometimes emulated for the fire service we have, but I will tell we can always be better,” Fire Chief Bruce Kline with the Lady’s Island/St. Helena Fire Department said.

Leaders say whatever decision is made could save local governments money and potentially save lives with quicker response times.

The study will look at what the best plan for the entire county will be.