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Horry County fire chief details rising calls, new EMS programs and training center plans
Summary
The county fire chief reported a year-over-year rise in calls, described new EMS capabilities including a whole-blood transport pilot, explained expanded drone use and noted site work for a centralized public-safety training facility.
At the committee meeting on Oct. 14, Chief Limmerhart delivered the county’s Fire Prevention Week update, citing rising call volumes, expanded EMS capabilities and plans for a centralized public-safety training facility.
Limmerhart told members that annual call volumes have increased from about 13,000 in 2023 to 15,000 in 2024 and that the department was at roughly 14,000 calls to date this year, a rise he described as about 9 percent year-over-year. He summarized the department’s resources as "600 plus career members, a 150 plus volunteers, 41 stations, [and] 130 fire apparatus," and said the department’s services now emphasize community risk reduction activities such as smoke-alarm installs, citizen CPR and AED training.
The chief highlighted technology and medical advances the department is using: an expanded drone program (including FLIR capabilities) aided incident command at the Covington Drive fire, and the department's arson dog Crosby supports investigations. Limmerhart also said the county piloted an advanced-EMT program that was later enabled statewide and that, beginning Oct. 1, fire-based ambulances began carrying whole blood for transport; he said whole blood has already been used several times in transports.
Limmerhart noted recent recognition and pending grants: the county was designated a "fire safe community" by the State Fire Marshal's office for consecutive years, the county hosted a large International Association of Fire Chiefs metropolitan conference, and two grant applications remain outstanding (an AFG application related to career staffing and a fire-prevention outreach grant). He said the department is hiring additional harm-reduction staff and continuing recruit academies for career and volunteer firefighters.
Committee members asked operational questions and raised budget concerns. When asked if Narcan purchases remain grant-funded, Limmerhart said the department is purchasing Narcan and is working to provide it through mixed sources and partnerships; one council member asked rhetorically, "If we're spending tax money on Narcan, what about a child who needs an EpiPen?" The chief acknowledged the concern and said the department seeks sustainable ways to procure lifesaving supplies.
Mister Rangel also reported that site work is under way for the county’s public-safety training facility (near the animal care center), with a first phase including a driving track and a large concrete pad for fire rescue; design and a master plan for future phases are in progress and a groundbreaking was expected shortly. Limmerhart and members said a centralized training center should help recruitment and retention.
The committee heard a brief update on the fall bike rally — staff reported fewer violations this year (120) than the prior year (189) — and the meeting adjourned with a next session scheduled for Nov. 4.
