BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – The Whitesville Fire Department and Cross Fire Department have merged to form Central Berkeley Fire & EMS, county officials announced Monday.
Representatives for both departments said the merger will allow greater coverage and service to residents within both fire districts.
“This is the first voluntary consolidation in Berkeley County between departments who are not supplemented in funds,” Fire Chief Tim Stephenson said. “This merger was done specifically to expand the coverage provided to the community both with fire and EMS response.”
“This new consolidated district provides us with more resources than ever before, resources that can expand our response capacity in ways we have never before been possible,” he continued.
Established this month, Central Berkeley Fire & EMS will cover 132 sq. miles between six stations, officials said.
Central Berkeley Fire & EMS is a DHEC-licensed agency and staffs an Advanced Life Support (ALS) Ambulance 24 hours, seven days a week.
SEE ALSO:
- 5 Rural Fire Departments Consolidating in Northern Berkeley County
- Fire Study: Berkeley County’s Fire Services at a Crossroads
This is not the first time fire departments in Berkeley County have merged to form one agency.
Last year, Lake Moultrie Fire Department, Bonneau Rural Fire Department, Forty-One Rural Fire Department, Shulerville-Honey Hill Fire Department merged with the St. Stephen Volunteer Fire Department to form the North Berkeley Fire District.
Fire departments in Macedonia, Santee Circle, Alvin, Jamestown and Cordesville also joined forces around the same time to form the East Berkeley Fire District.
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