Summerville Fire & Rescue
Originally publishedJanuary 16, 2015
It was in the month of December, 1893, that the first mention of a fire alarm bell and the forming of a fire brigade was discussed by the Town Council of Summerville. The following year in March of 1894, the first fire apparatus was purchased for a town fire brigade consisting of 25 members. That same year, the first fire station was leased and the Pioneer Fire Company was organized. The first fire chief position was created in 1895 and R. H. Sweeney was named the first Fire Chief of the Town of Summerville.
Through the years, the fire department continued to grow with the town and in March of 1930, the town installed the first fire hydrants. By that time, the Town of Summerville had grown to almost 2,400. That same year, the town purchased its first modern pumper, a 1929 American La France affectionately known as “Big Bertha” which has been restored and can be seen today at special events and parades. With the election of mayor, Berlin G. Meyers in 1972, Richard G. Waring, III was named the town’s first paid fire chief and remained for some 20 years until his retirement in 1997. The town continued to grow and according to the 2013 census, Summerville population exceeded 46,000. Summerville Fire & Rescue (SFR) has grown to meet the needs of its citizens from a mostly volunteer department with one station to a 98 member paid department with five fire stations, the latest opening in 2014.
Today the headquarters remains at 300 W. 2nd North Street after opening its doors in June of 1984. In May of 1992 it was dedicated in the name of Chief John Weber who retired in 1972 after being fire chief for 25 years. Currently, SFR answers approximately 4,000 calls per year. SFR operates with 30 full-time firefighters working on each of the three 24 hour shifts, an excellent support staff, and a number of dedicated volunteers. Richard G. Waring, IV currently serves as the fire chief and Johnny D. Allston as his assistant chief.
