WAGENER, S.C. ()- The city of Wagener, South Carolina, has recently introduced a new chief to oversee the volunteer fire department, following years of leadership changes among fire chiefs.

It’s been almost a year since the Wagener Fire Department nearly lost its entire staff.

After many conversations, the mayor and city council have announced Hendrik Swanepoel as the new permanent fire chief.

It was last November when former fire chief Tillman Rushton sent a 4-page resignation letter to Mayor Mike Miller and the rest of town council. 

19 firefighters followed suit, meaning nearly the entire department left their positions. 

Patricia Middleton has called Wagener home for years.

“The residents I’ve spoken to in Wagener, as well as my own viewpoint, insist that we must do whatever is necessary to ensure the fire department’s full operation,” stated Middleton.

After the resignations, Aiken County Council members voted to terminate the contract between the town and the county.

Earlier this year, Wagener town council approved an ordinance to separate the town from the fire department.

Nearby fire departments have helped in the meantime, but neighbors say it’s not enough.

“In emergencies, like fires, we all want assurance that firefighters will arrive promptly because every second matters,” Middleton emphasized.

Chief Swanepoel sent this letter to town council over the weekend, calling the nomination “a great honor”.

Mayor Mike Miller says he’s pleased with the progress being made, and ready to work with the new hire.

“Our progress is steady,” noted Miller. “With my house, building, and farm in town, I share the community’s concern about reliable service.”

“The people are not concerned about politics. We just want you to get it together, work it out, and have somebody cover the fires,” Middleton added.

Chief Swanepoel was not available for comment Monday.

He says the reason why is because he’s already hitting the ground running to hire new staff, and help get this fire department back on its feet.

“The new chief seems personable and capable, and I appreciate him. However, my priority is to have a fire chief who performs his duties transparently, responsibly, dependably, and shows up when needed,” commented Middleton.