KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — Kershaw County on Monday opened its new 24/7 fire station in Cassatt, designed to bolster emergency response capabilities.
Fire Chief Will Glover of the Kershaw County Fire Service highlighted the necessity of transitioning to a combination fire service.
"There was a need recognized that we needed to transfer to a combination service, so this is the first fire station built with 24/7 staffing in mind," Glover said.
The newly opened fire station, a first of its kind for the county, is equipped with sleeping spaces, living rooms, and more, marking a significant departure from the previous volunteer station.
"This is our first fire station that's been built in 15 years in the county, and previously all the stations that had been built were more geared to volunteer," Glover said.
A study revealed that the old fire station in Cassatt averaged 150 calls per year. However, responders from that station often find themselves answering calls outside of the district, necessitating a facility that can be staffed around the clock. This need culminated in the construction of the innovative 24/7 fire station.
Glover reiterated the importance of the new station's design, emphasizing its focus on constant staffing.
"During the ad hoc study, you know, there were several locations identified for where staffing needs to go," Glover said. "This is a centralized location so they can help respond to not only the Cassatt fire station district but into Bethune, Shepherd, Buffalo-Mt. Pisgah area."
Initially, the station will operate with two staff members at all times, with an additional 10 volunteer firefighters contributing to the station's overall personnel.
Tracy Watford, owner of Hwy 1 Café just a mile away from the station, is optimistic about the potential impact on the community's safety.
"We feel like this fire station here will help us in Cassatt tremendously," Watford said.
The station will begin with a volunteer staff during the first week before transitioning to round-the-clock operations. Meanwhile, the fate of the old fire station building remains undecided.