YEMASSEE, S.C. — Several firefighters resigned Tuesday night after council members fired the town’s fire chief.
WSAV reported that Fire Chief Paul Homes, with the Yemassee (S.C.) Fire-Rescue, served on a volunteer basis along with 10 other firefighters. Another fire department is now serving the department’s area.
“Why anyone would complain about a free service, is beyond me,” Chief Holmes said.
Councilman Jordan Jinks said the council is working to appoint a new fire chief.
“It’s nothing personal against Mr. Holmes, but as far as being certified to run that department the correct way, our citizens of Yemassee deserve better,” Jinks said.
Holmes confirmed he is not firefighter certified, but is an EMT, and cited years of experience in the field, according to the report.
Mayor Jerry Cook, who voted against the decision to fire Holmes, believes the decision was made because the council wants more control over department funds.
“It’s hurtful, really, to the Town of Yemassee citizens, because they’re the ones that are going to suffer from this,” Cook said.
Holmes said he felt the decision is a step in permanently disbanding the department.
“We have provided the service for the community, not only with fire and wrecks, but monitoring the burning of trash and any kind of emergency and assisting EMS on calls,” he said.