Chimney Sweep Near Me Summers Corner, SC

Before 1994, emergency medical services in Dorchester County were provided by private contractors. Since then, Dorchester County Fire Rescue has grown from eight volunteer stations to 18 fire stations. Station 22 has been in the works since 2011 and was part of the original plans for the Summers Corner development. The station is unique because it is the first fire and EMS station with a full-time staff on this side of the Ashley River.

“Our ambulances rotate and roam around the county all day long,” said Chief Joe Crowder of Dorchester County EMS. “We always want to make sure that we're maintaining a standard of response times to ensure that we're getting to the victim of the emergency as quick as we can.”

Officials said Dorchester County's ISO fire protection rating has improved from Class 10 to Class 4, a change that may help lower homeowner’s insurance premiums. The station is also expected to significantly reduce response times, as engines and ambulances will no longer have to navigate traffic to reach Summers Corner.

“This is really going to be a cornerstone for the Summers Corridor region,” said Councilman Jay Byars. “No longer will they have to wait on fire trucks to come across the river.”

The station was funded through a combination of fire fund revenue, county general fund and contributions from developer Lennar. Dorchester County Council Chairman David Chinnis emphasized that no special assessment funds were used.

The station will be staffed around the clock by a team of five and is equipped with an engine company, tanker, EMS unit and a utility vehicle that will be used on trails and in wooded areas.

“More stations will be needed as this area continues to grow,” said Chief Tres Atkinson of Dorchester County Fire Rescue. “Seconds count in any type of emergency, and our goal is to be very quick and very proactive in those calls.”

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, neighbors of Station 22 came out to celebrate. Children climbed aboard fire trucks, with some dressed in firefighter costumes and others wearing princess dresses. Visitors toured the bunk rooms, laundry facilities and offices, while others spoke with EMS crews and firefighters. A couple of puppies were also in attendance, though neither appeared destined for Station 22's roster anytime soon.

To conclude the ceremony, the first official radio announcement went out over a hushed crowd.

“All units stand by for a special announcement: Dorchester County Fire Rescue and Dorchester County EMS are proud to announce that Station 22 in Summers Corner is officially in service. This station represents our county's continued commitment to protecting our growing community and supporting the men and women who answer the call. To the crews assigned to Station 22, may you serve with pride, look after one another and return safely from every call. Station 22, welcome to service.”

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C (WCIV) — Dorchester County is opening its first dedicated Fire-Rescue and EMS station in Summers Corner as rapid growth continues to spread toward the outer edges of the county.

County leaders say the new Fire and EMS station is more than just a building. It is a symbol of Dorchester County's rapid expansion.

"The goal was to have something in this area immediately available to the residents and to the call volume that we're going to experience," said Tres Atkinson, fire chief for Dorchester County Fire Rescue.

The $6.3 million project comes as the growing community continues to see new development.

"The closest response vehicle to this area when in station was like five or six miles away. If you take into consideration traffic, you're looking at an additional 10 to 15 minutes just to get to this area," said Joe Crowder, chief of Dorchester County EMS.

READ MORE | Dorchester County celebrates new Fire and EMS station with ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday

"It's just a huge sense of security for us, both with the fire and the paramedics," said Summers Corner resident Maureen Morrison.

"It's going to reduce response times, which means your homeowner's insurance should be reduced on your mortgage payments," added Dorchester County Councilman Joe Byers.

Summers Corner is already feeling that expansion. Since 2016, 4,008 single-family home permits have been issued there and in neighboring Homecoming, with 3,715 certificates of occupancy issued.

"We've only been here for a year, but I hear things kind of move slower as far as the buildings and things being built," said Summers Corner resident Shanna Wagner.

With all the new housing, some residents worry infrastructure will struggle to keep up.

"There's a lot of houses being built. We always joke, if only they could build the other things as fast as they build the houses, and kind of maybe adjust their priorities in that aspect. Safety should be the number one," Wagner said.

With the new EMS station, county officials say safety is now closer to home for residents.

"We're going to be closer at quicker response times and ultimately have better outcomes for the patients and the people we serve," Crowder said.

Dorchester County adds an average of 4,500 to 5,000 new residents each year, and officials expect that growth and expansion to continue.