Bluffton Township Fire Chief Investigation Shakes Community

News Summary

The Bluffton Township Fire District Board has initiated an investigation into former fire chief Paul Boulware, who is now classified as ‘retired.’ Boulware had aimed for temporary retirement but serious allegations about policy violations arose. The Board has appointed Derek Church as interim chief during this inquiry led by the Beaufort County attorney’s office. Community residents are concerned about the implications of this investigation on local fire services and public trust.

Bluffton Township Fire Chief Investigation Shakes Up Local Community

In a surprising turn of events, the Bluffton Township Fire District Board of Commissioners has made the bold decision to launch an investigation against Paul Boulware, who recently held the position of fire chief. This decision was reached during a special meeting on February 11, 2025, where the officials instructed Boulware to return all district property while the inquiry is underway.

A Closer Look at the Investigation

The investigation is being led by the Beaufort County attorney’s office following initial talks that took place during an executive session of the county council on February 10, 2025. Boulware, who had previously initiated a retirement plan approved on December 17, 2024, had aimed to retire at the end of December and return just 30 days later, a practice allowed under the S.C. Public Employee Benefit Authority that allows public employees a temporary retirement.

However, during this short gap, serious allegations emerged regarding possible violations of fire district policies, leading to the current scrutiny. The internal investigation is overseen by Deputy County Attorney Brian Hulbert, who is keeping specifics under wraps, focusing on an internal examination rather than involving law enforcement as of now.

Current Fire Chief Status and Interim Appointment

As it stands, Boulware’s status is currently classified as “retired,” which adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Meanwhile, quite the leadership shuffle is happening within the fire district, as the board has appointed Derek Church, the Deputy Chief of Administration, as the interim fire chief while they assess the situation with Boulware.

It’s noteworthy that Boulware’s journey in the Bluffton Township Fire District began way back in 1991 when he joined as a volunteer firefighter. His ascent through the ranks culminated in him becoming the fire chief in December 2022. This timeline definitely raises eyebrows now, as the community looks on with skepticism during this tumultuous period for the fire district.

The Role of the Fire District Board

The Bluffton Township Fire District Board of Commissioners holds the crucial task of developing a list of candidates to replace the fire chief, if necessary, which will be reviewed by the county administrator, ensuring a thorough process is undertaken. Meanwhile, officials stress their commitment to maintaining transparency throughout this investigation while also respecting personnel privacy, a sentiment that is often difficult to balance during such sensitive matters.

A Community in Waiting

Residents watching this drama unfold may feel a myriad of emotions—curiosity, concern, and perhaps a bit of frustration. With a longstanding figure in local public service now embroiled in an investigation, the community is keen to hear more about the implications of these events on local fire services, firefighter morale, and public trust in the fire district’s leadership.

As the interim chief steps in, the district will likely focus on continuity of operations while ensuring that all necessary protocols and policies are followed. Those within the Bluffton Township community are reminded that fire safety remains a top priority and that their dedicated firefighters will continue to serve them, even in the midst of uncertainty at the top.

How this situation develops will surely illuminate the path forward for the Bluffton Township Fire District and will likely grip the attention of the community in the coming weeks.

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Additional Resources

• Live 5 News
• Wikipedia: Fire Department
• WTOC
• Google Search: Bluffton Fire Chief Investigation
• ABC News 4
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Department
• AOL News
• Google News: Bluffton Fire Chief
• Post and Courier