Georgetown County offers program to help recruit firefighters

GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WCBD)–The labor shortage for first responders continues to impact many areas across the country, even impacting places close to home. However, leaders in Georgetown County are working to fix that problem by creating a program targeted at training and hiring crews. 

A joint effort between Midway Fire Rescue, Georgetown County Fire-EMS, and Georgetown City Fire Department is underway to bring more first responders to the area.

“So, for all of us to make it work, the three small departments must come together. Now I have the size of a larger department to utilize each other ‘s resources, use each other ‘s training instructors, and start our joint recruit school,” said Midway Fire Chief Brent McClellan.

In 2021, Georgetown County began the first fire recruitment school- similar to the National Fire Academy. The 6-month program pays recruits to attend firefighter training – and earn their EMS certification. The program targets those who would like to serve but may not be able to afford traditional recruitment.

“The fire department must be representative of the community that it serves, so through our recruit school initiatives that we implemented over the past several years, we’ve been able to afford opportunities to individuals who may not have had a chance or may have been aware of the opportunity,” said Brandon Ellis, the director of emergency services for Georgetown County.

Officials said the program’s goal is the same as those who enroll – to protect and serve the community.

“When you pick up the phone, call 911. If there’s nobody to come, that’s a problem, so we need to get that message out and get people the courage to go in, and we provide the training. We provide the equipment to keep you safe,” said Walt Ackerman, director of administration for Georgetown County.

Officials said they hope to hold the next firefighter recruitment school toward the end of the fall and will release more information closer to the date.