Surfside Beach, SC, Firefighters Staying Put

Nov. 14, 2024
Residents say they're relieved the local Surfside Beach Fire Department's doors will stay open.

Surfside Beach firefighters are staying put.

Several months ago, they weren't so sure after town officials considered contracting with Horry County Fire Rescue.

“We kind of matched everything that the county was going to give us for the most part as far as staffing,” Surfside Beach Fire Chief David Nelson told WMBF.

Nelson said after filling several vacant positions, confidence grew in the fire department.

“The town was very supportive of that as well as the town council,” said Nelson.

Moving forward, three people would staff the apparatus and one additional person would staff the aerial.

“That will help out with our ISO and PPC classification,” said Nelson.

The positive changes have left many residents relieved.

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.