Freshly founded less than two months ago when Chatham Fire & EMS Assistant Volunteer Fire Chief
Ryan Selgren made a 30-minute call to Chatham Emergency Services District Chief
Chris Mills, this new on-the-scene nonprofit is dedicated to raising funds for first responders facing financial difficulties like firefighter
John Page. Receiving 2nd and 3rd degree burns to his upper torso, John is looking remarkably recovered and sheepish when discussing his experience.
“When I saw my face for the first time I thought my career was over. After being treated at the incredible Doctors Hospital of Augusta, I received the first set of bills that insurance isn’t going to cover. I put my motorcycle for sale and have worried about what my future would be. Seeing Ryan and Chris put this together shows that my firefighter family is truly my second family,” shares the 26-year-old.
Nearly 30 unincorporated properties in Chatham County are facing liens as Chatham Fire works to combat budget shortfalls due to unincorporated county residents who aren’t opting in to the subscription for fire services. The issue has led Chatham County to explore options including a fire fee or ordinance that would require a subscription.
“We have 26 liens out there right now, for a total of $236,000,” said Chuck Kearns, CEO of Chatham Emergency Services, which serves as an umbrella for Chatham Fire and Chatham EMS.
Currently Chatham Fire covers 34,576 properties in unincorporated Chatham County, but nearly 10,000 of those properties aren’t subscribing, which along with creating budget issues for the department, can put property owners at risk for higher insurance premiums.
Debate over fire services heats up in Chatham County
Debate over fire services heats up in Chatham County By Max Diekneite | February 4, 2021 at 6:16 PM EST - Updated February 4 at 7:21 PM
CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Thereâs a passionate debate underway over fire protection in parts of Chatham County.
Most people pay for fire services through their taxes. But in Georgia, thatâs not always the case. State law does not require counties to provide fire services. Thatâs become an issue in unincorporated Chatham County.
Now, thereâs talk of requiring people to pay a private company for the service. Itâs pitting some neighbors against each other and sparked a debate over who should pay for fire services and how.
The crash happened at the intersection of Palm Road and Chatham Road.
The school bus was empty, confirmed Ball-Chatham School District spokeswoman Betsy Schroeder.
The woman had to be extricated from her SUV by Chatham Fire personnel. Three other occupants of the SUV, all juveniles, were treated and released.
The woman was issued a citation for driving while her license was suspended and a citation for failure to reduce speed.
It was not immediately clear if weather played a factor.
Schroeder said the bus was being test driven after repair by a mechanic who is employed by the school district. He was the lone occupant and uninjured.