As of January 22, 2024, Summerville Fire-Rescue will take on the primary responsibility of providing fire protection and emergency response services to homes and businesses currently served by Dorchester County Fire Rescue Station 22 on Miles Road. While both entities will continue to work together to provide emergency services to this area, Summerville Fire Rescue will be the first dispatched unit.
The transition follows a collaborative agreement formed in June 2021 between Dorchester County and the Town of Summerville. This agreement involved the conveyance of a county-owned parcel to the Town for the establishment of a dedicated Fire Rescue Station. The newly opened Summerville Fire-Rescue Station 6, operational since December 2023, is a testament to the commitment of enhancing emergency response capabilities.
Key features of the agreement include the accommodation of Dorchester County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) within the new station and the designation of Summerville Fire-Rescue as the primary fire department for properties previously served by Dorchester County Fire Rescue Station 22. Additionally, businesses may be eligible for a cost savings through their insurance company due to a change in ISO ratings. A comprehensive transition plan has been developed by the Town and County to ensure seamless emergency response protocols.
"I am excited at this opportunity to collaborate with the Town to provide a unified Fire and EMS service to this area of Summerville and Dorchester County. Positioning an EMS unit at this station adds an additional level of critical care to this corridor, and our partnership provides improved public safety to the community," said Councilman David Chinnis.
"It’s always exciting to see the department grow. The citizens are our number one priority. Public safety not only provides emergency response but also provides a sense of security and comfort. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Dorchester County for years to come," said Summerville Fire-Rescue Chief Brent Melcher.
Summerville Fire-Rescue and Dorchester County Fire Rescue are committed to maintaining the highest standards of emergency response. The goal is to further expand the Town and County's automatic aid agreement to cover additional areas within the community, ensuring a comprehensive and efficient emergency service response across the entire county.
