Darlington County Fire District dedicates new trucks

DARLINGTON – Members of the Darlington County Fire District converged at the Swift Creek Station for a two special announcements on Wednesday, May 29.
First, they were dedicating four new Ford F-350 Brush Trucks.

"We average around 280 brush fire calls a year," said DCFD Chief David Williamson. "So we have a definite need for the trucks. They are instrumental in getting to some areas are engine trucks can't get to."

Williamson said the trucks will give the DCFD the advantage to get off road and get into places and conditions that pump trucks are unable to handle. The trucks are equipped with Warner winches as well. One of the trucks has already been used to help stabilize a wrecked car on I-20 on Tuesday, according to Williamson.

"Hopefully, this will let us get to these fires before they spread," Williamson said. "We just want to thank the taxpayers of Darlington County. Without them, this would not have happened. These trucks are much safer to operate and should allow us to stop fires sooner. We are really thankful for that. Their tax dollars made this work. We also would like to thank the Darlington County Council."

"I'm excited," Williamson continued after the dedication. "I think all of the firefighters in the area are excited we've got these trucks that can handle these brush fires. Forestry does a real good job in Darlington County, but we see this as an added benefit to the overall fire protection package in Darlington County."
The trucks will be used in the Lydia and Oates areas, as well as all of Darlington County.

The second announcement was the acceptance of a grant from the Byerly Foundation of Hartsville.

The Byerly Foundation gave the DCFD a grant of a little more than $8,000. The grant will be used jointly by the DCFD and the Hartsville FD to put safe, working smoke detectors in houses of individuals that may not be able to afford them.

"The goal is to get smoke detectors with 10-year batteries," Williamson said. "We are going to purchase approximately 1,000 of them. It is our goal to reduce the risk of fatality and loss of life in the area. We are excited to be working with Chief Heathman and the Hartsville Fire Department.
"We've always had a good working relationship with them."

"I'm so excited about this grant," Williamson continued. "I'm glad to be working with the Hartsville Fire Department. To get these detectors into these homes is just phenomenal. We know when we go out and put these detectors in a home, it is good for 10 years. I, and a lot of these firefighters can sleep better at night."

Both departments will cache the detectors and place them in homes as the need arises, Williamson said.

Heathman said the smoke detectors would ease his mind because they will be in houses for 10 years. He also encouraged firefighters to encourage people to have an escape plan as well.
Richard Puffer, executive director of the Byerly Foundation, spoke on behalf of the foundation.
He said his father was a lifetime member of the fire department; therefore, he could easily relate. "It is a very special pleasure to present a check for a little over $8,000 to Chief Heathman and Chief Williamson," he said. "This will be helping some of the people in Hartsville we think of as among the most vulnerable people in terms of fire protection."
"If one detector," Williamson said, "out of the thousand we put up, does it's job and saves a life, it is worth every penny."