Dec. 06--The chairman of Anderson County's legislative delegation said Thursday that he has been assured that volunteer firefighters will be involved in the process of hiring a new county fire chief.
"You are going to have a seat at the table," Rep. Mike Gambrell told three county firefighters during the legislative delegation's meeting in Anderson. The Honea Path Republican is a longtime member of the county's volunteer fire department, which was formed 50 years ago.
Billy Gibson stepped down last month after 8 1/2 years as Anderson County's fire chief. He left for a position in Pickens County.
Gambrell made his comments Thursday after Gary Shaw said that he hopes the Anderson County Fire Commission will consult with an advisory panel of chiefs from the county's fire stations before hiring Gibson's permanent replacement. Shaw is the chief of the county fire station in Starr.
"We just want to have some input on the selection of the new chief," Shaw said.
Shaw said he has been told that the fire commission received 14 applications for the county fire chief's post. He said he has also heard that the commission members will start whittling down this list in January.
The discussion about hiring the next fire chief came up after Sen. Kevin Bryant told delegation members about a recent meeting where several firefighters voiced complaints about the county fire commission.
"The perception is the volunteer firemen do not feel appreciated," Bryant said.
The legislative delegation is responsible for appointing members of the fire commission and approving the organization's annual budget.
During its final meeting of the year, the delegation appointed members to nine different boards, including the Anderson County Registration and Election Commission and the Anderson County Transportation Committee.
Delegation members also approved $71,140 in grants that will be split among parks in Belton, Honea Path, West Pelzer, Williamston and throughout Anderson County.
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