The Chatham County Fire Department began providing fire services for unincorporated Chatham County today, according to a press release issued by Chatham County Public Information Officer Will Peebles.
According to the press release, the county’s decision to provide fire services “is aimed at ensuring the best interests of Chatham County residents and enhancing the collaborative efforts between Chatham County and [Chatham Emergency Services] CES to foster a safer and more resilient community for everyone.”
The press release clarifies the change in leadership structure of the Chatham County Police Department (CCPD), the Chatham County Fire Department and the transition of the county-run fire department.
The announcement comes three days after the Chatham County Board of Commissioners voted to approve the transition of fire services from CES to the newly created Chatham County Fire Department. The Board of Commissioners vote approved 152 fire department personnel, lease agreements for 14 stations and purchases of associated fire apparatus and equipment.
“For the past year, County staff has been working with CES to determine the best path forward in providing fire services to our Unincorporated residents. Both the CES Board of Directors and the Commission feel that path is for the County to establish a Fire Department. We will be transferring the CES Fire Department employees to the County and leasing their fire stations to ensure uninterrupted continuation of services," Chatham County Chairman Chester Ellis said, according to the press release. “Public Safety is one of the highest priorities of the Commission, and we share that priority with Chatham Emergency Services. We know this decision is in the best interest for our community.”
History of fire services in Chatham County
In some areas in Chatham County, CES has been the local fire department since 1940. Historically, CES has funded its operations through subscription payments collected from property owners, according to an Aug. 25, 2023, resolution previously reported by the Savannah Morning News.
In December 1988, according to the August 2023 resolution, Chatham County established fire service districts throughout the county, and it assigned Southside Volunteer Fire Department within the county’s unincorporated area, including Wilmington-Whitemarsh Fire Service District, Skidaway-Montgomery Fire Service District, Seventh District Fire Service District and Georgetown-Grove Point Fire Service District.
In 2018, CES approached Chatham County and “expressed a need for greater assistance” with billing and collections, said District 6 Commissioner Aaron "Adot" Whitely at the August 2023 Chatham County Commission meeting. He added that the county undertook a public engagement program and many people responded that they had not and would not pay the subscription fee.
In December 2021, the Board of Commissioners “expressed a high level of interest in ensuring that fire protection services continue to be provided in the unincorporated area.” From there, the county commission entered a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with CES to continue providing fire protection services within its designated districts.
Although the county’s FY 2024 budget includes funding of $14.7 million for the CES Fire Services contract, CES has expressed “strong concerns about its continued ability to fund fire service operations without substantial budget increases,” the resolution states.
Based upon these budgetary concerns, Chatham County Manager Michael Kaigler requested direction from the Board of Commissioners to form and implement a transition plan from CES to a County Government Fire Department.
Who is overseeing the transition of the County Fire Department?
Kaigler has appointed Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) Chief Jeff Hadley to oversee the transition and implementation of the Chatham County Fire Department from a private entity (CES) to a county government department, according to the press release.
When the CCPD transitioned from the joint Savannah-Chatham Metro Police Department in December 2017, Hadley was hired as the CCPD Chief.
“I am excited to assist the County Manager’s Office in the transition of the Chatham County Fire Department,” Hadley said, according to the press release. “Over the past six months, I have had the privilege of working with County staff and Fire Chief James Vickers in the development and transition of fire services to the County. I am confident that the development of the Chatham County Fire Department will provide the necessary professional fire services to the residents of Chatham County.”
With Hadley’s departure from the day-to-day operations of CCPD, Kaigler has appointed CCPD Assistant Chief Julie Tolbert as acting chief of CCPD. Tolbert previously served as the interim chief of police for the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department before retiring and transitioning to the role of assistant police chief for the CCPD, where she has commanded the Criminal Investigation Division.
“I also strongly believe that Chief Tolbert is the ideal leader for our Police Department moving forward until Chief Hadley returns to the Police Department. Having had the privilege of knowing and collaborating with her for many years, I am deeply impressed by her profound understanding of our community. Chief Tolbert’s extensive knowledge, along with her exemplary leadership skills, assures me that our Police Department will continue to thrive and progress in the right direction," Kaigler said in the prepared statement.
Chatham Fire Chief James Vickers will serve as the Chatham County Fire Department Chief.
“Under the leadership of Chatham County, we are excited to continue serving our community as your new Chatham County Fire Department. This transition presents us a valuable opportunity to enhance services through increased outreach and collaboration. Leveraging Chatham County’s strong community ties and extensive network, we will be well-positioned to provide support and protection for every resident. Together, we will provide the highest level of services possible for our cherished community,” Vickers said, according to the press release.
Drew Favakeh is the public safety and courts reporter for Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at AFavakeh@Gannett.com.
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