“We don’t want to put anybody in danger—our firefighters here, the citizens of Wagener."
That's why Wagener Fire Chief Hendrik Swanepoel said he was resigning from the position he's held since August.
And, he didn't leave alone as Assistant Chief Sean Baker also walked away, WJBF reported.
They said the lack of funding and support were the reasons. The chief called an emergency meeting with officials Tuesday night to explain the department needs at least $80,000 for equipment.
He doesn't see that happening anytime soon.
“I cannot allow them to go into any fires without the proper gear, the proper knowledge, the proper equipment. If we fill these trucks up right now, our bank accounts will be empty.”
The chief said he'll be contacting the county and nearby companies to make sure the residents in the 400 houses they serve will have fire protection.
