News Summary
Rick Krob, chairman of the Bluffton Township Fire District’s Board of Commissioners, has been suspended following an investigation into allegations related to former Fire Chief Paul Boulware. The Beaufort County Council made this decision during an executive session, emphasizing the importance of transparency in resolving the issues. The investigation has been referred to the South Carolina Ethics Commission, with Krob’s suspension lasting until its completion or the appointment of a new fire chief. The Bluffton community watches closely for developments.
Bluffton – Rick Krob, the chairman of the Bluffton Township Fire District’s Board of Commissioners, has been suspended amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of improper actions linked to former Fire Chief Paul Boulware. The Beaufort County Council unanimously approved the suspension on April 28, 2025, following a closed-door executive session to discuss the matter. Krob’s suspension will remain in effect until the investigation is completed or a new permanent fire chief is appointed, whichever occurs last.
Details of the allegations against Krob and the specific nature of the ongoing investigation remain unclear. The internal review concerning the Bluffton Fire District has been referred to the South Carolina Ethics Commission for further examination. This decision reflects the seriousness of the situation and the desire for transparency in resolving the issues at hand.
Rick Krob has been a member of the Bluffton Fire District Board of Commissioners since September 2021 and was appointed chairman in February 2024. The board consists of seven volunteer members appointed by the Beaufort County Council to provide guidance on matters related to the fire district’s budgets and operations. The County Administrator, Michael Moore, holds ultimate authority over decisions regarding fire chief employment and administration.
The investigation follows the retirement of Paul Boulware, who served as the fire chief for over 30 years before announcing his retirement in February 2025. Boulware’s departure was presented as voluntary, and the fire board subsequently appointed Interim Fire Chief Derek Church to fill the position. During a public comment session, it was noted that many firefighters voiced their support for Boulware, praising his dedication and honorable character. The internal strife within the fire department has raised concerns among personnel, particularly about how the investigation may impact Boulware’s reputation.
The Beaufort County Council has decided not to provide additional comments on the ongoing investigation until it is concluded. Additionally, the county is waiting for external agencies to determine if further criminal investigations will be pursued as a result of the inquiry. The next meeting of the Beaufort County Council to further discuss Krob’s status and the situation within the fire district is scheduled for April 28, 2025.
The suspension of Krob represents a significant move by the county to maintain integrity within its fire district leadership. The board is tasked with critical responsibilities related to the operations and funding of the Bluffton Fire District. The ongoing investigation, coupled with the recent changes in leadership, brings both uncertainty and scrutiny to the fire department as the community awaits further developments.
The county council, while temporarily stepping back from discussions, seems committed to following appropriate processes throughout the investigation phase. As the inquiry unfolds, the Bluffton community remains watchful of how these proceedings could shape the future of its fire services and the governance of the fire district.
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HERE Resources
Supreme Court Ruling Ends Beaufort’s Legal Dispute
Beaufort County Council Considers Suspension of Fire District Chairman
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Bluffton, South Carolina
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Bluffton Fire District investigation
- Aiken Standard
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Department
- WTOC
- Google News: Bluffton Fire District
- ABC News 4
- Google Scholar: Bluffton Fire District
- Island Packet
