Fire control board meets but doesn’t have quorum

The Darlington County Board of Fire Control met Thursday at Swift Creek Fire Department but did not have enough members in attendance for a quorum, making the meeting for informational purposes only. No votes could be held.

Issues addressed during the meeting ranged from grants to volunteers and celebrations.

In the chief’s comments, Chief David Williamson has received 17 applicants for the full-time job posting. He said he expects to begin contacting people this week for the first step in the process, which includes the interview board and physical agility test.

Williamson also announced that he has received permission from Darlington County Council to apply for three grants. One grant will help with accountability. The second, $60,000 from the Pee Dee Council of Governments, will provide 20 sets of turnout gear, head-to-toe.

The third grant for a vehicle is only $50,000. “So that cuts out another engine,” said Williamson.

He said he intends to get a staff SUV outfitted with a radio console in the back.

All agencies in the area, from the schools to the sheriff’s department, have come together to address a federal mandate for all radio systems to be upgraded to a narrowband by Jan. 1, 2013.

“Using narrowband channels will ensure that agencies take advantage of more efficient technology and, by reducing channel width, will allow additional channels to exist within the same spectrum space,” according to the U.S. Department of Justice Web site.

The agencies are investigating different options for the county system. Williamson will represent all fire agencies in these meetings.

Williamson also addressed the need for volunteers.

“We constantly are looking for volunteers in the Society Hill and Dovesville areas,” he said.

Williamson said he went to Mount Zion Church last Sunday, spoke to the church and passed out some applications. He said he hopes this can bring the area some much-needed volunteers.

Molly Peavy announced that 2009 Darlington County Fire District Family Day will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 7 at headquarters.

Peavy reminded everyone that Fire Prevention Month is just around the corner in October.  She said one-percent budgets would be sent out to each station soon as well. Fire Prevention Week is also on the horizon, Oct. 4-10.

Assistant Chief Charles Ingram announced that the Byrdtown Station’s 30th Anniversary Celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 17 at the District 12 Station, 2662 Byrdtown Road.

Ingram said he would like all former firefighters to come celebrate and be recognized during the event. The station opened in 1979 and still has its two original fire trucks.

“Everyone is invited to come out and see what their tax money is going to,” said Ingram.

In other business, the new employee accountability system Salamander should fully be in place and used at all stations across the county by Oct. 19.

Hydrant maintenance and hose testing continues. Some stations have completed their work and others have not.

Williamson also showed members of the group the fire district’s new Web site, http://www.darlingtoncountyfiredistrict.com. The site is up and running. He said the only thing left to do was to get the county Web site to link to it. On the site, you can see videos, family day pictures, upcoming events and fire safety tips.

The next fire board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 19 at Swift Creek Fire Station on Center Road.