News Summary
Rick Krob, the chairman of Bluffton’s fire department board, has been suspended pending an ethical investigation linked to former Fire Chief Paul Boulware. The Beaufort County Council approved the suspension unanimously, emphasizing the importance of ethical standards within the department. Krob’s suspension will remain until the investigation concludes or a new chief is appointed. The inquiry has raised questions about Boulware’s recent retirement after over 30 years of service. The community is closely following the unfolding events as the county seeks guidance on the investigation’s implications.
Bluffton, South Carolina – Rick Krob, the chairman of Bluffton’s fire department board, has been suspended amid a pending investigation referred to the South Carolina Ethics Commission. The Beaufort County Council unanimously approved the suspension during a closed-door executive session held recently. This action reflects the council’s commitment to addressing ethical standards within the fire department.
Krob’s suspension will remain in effect until the investigation concludes or until a new permanent fire chief is appointed, whichever is later. Krob has been serving on the board since September 2021 and was elected as chairman in February 2024. His leadership over the fire board has now been put on hold as the ethical inquiries proceed.
The investigation is closely tied to former Bluffton Fire Chief Paul Boulware, who was replaced in February after more than 30 years of service. Boulware’s change in status, labeled as “retired,” has raised eyebrows and led to increased scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding his departure. Internal inquiries into Boulware’s tenure were subsequently referred to the South Carolina Ethics Commission, with no law enforcement contact reported by the county concerning the matter.
The newly appointed county attorney, Brian Hulbert, has indicated that the decisions made by external agencies will significantly influence how the county approaches its own investigation. This indicates a collaborative and thorough examination of the allegations at hand.
During the executive session in which Krob’s suspension was discussed, several Bluffton fire district employees, including Boulware himself, were present. Two firefighters, Daniel Connelly and Carson Stone, showed public support for Boulware during this meeting. They emphasized his honorable character and highlighted concerns that Boulware’s reputation had been unjustly tarnished by the circumstances surrounding his departure, and noted that he had not been given an opportunity to defend himself against the allegations.
The Bluffton Fire Board is comprised of seven members, all of whom are appointed by the Beaufort County Council and serve without compensation. This board plays an essential role by providing recommendations to the County Council regarding budgets, expenditures, and other essential district matters. Additionally, the fire board conducts annual evaluations of the fire chief, although it is ultimately up to the Beaufort County administrator to decide on promotions or demotions within the department.
In light of recent developments, the county awaits decisions from the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division concerning potential criminal implications related to the ongoing investigation. This forthcoming determination will have a significant impact on the county’s next steps in addressing the issues unfolding within the fire department.
The ethical investigation and the suspension of Krob have drawn public attention not only because of the implications for the fire department but also due to the longevity and reputation of former Chief Boulware within the local community. Boulware’s career began as a volunteer firefighter in 1991, and he was ultimately appointed as chief in December 2022, underscoring his significant commitment to the Bluffton fire service.
This situation continues to evolve, and further updates will likely be released as the investigation progresses and as officials gather more insights regarding the ethical matters before them. The Bluffton community remains engaged as it witnesses the unfolding events surrounding its fire department’s leadership and ethical standards.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Bluffton Fire Department Updates
- Wikipedia: Bluffton, South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Beaufort County Fire News
- Google Search: Bluffton Fire Department investigation
- Bluffton Today: Interim Fire Chief Named
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire department
- WTOC: Interim Fire Chief Appointment
- Google News: Bluffton Fire Department suspension
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
