News Summary
Rick Krob, the Bluffton Fire Department Board chairman, has been suspended by the Beaufort County Council pending an investigation tied to unspecified allegations. This decision followed a closed-door meeting and has raised concerns within the community, particularly regarding the reputation of former Fire Chief Paul Boulware. Key local officials and firefighters are advocating for transparency throughout the inquiry. The investigation’s outcome remains to be seen as the South Carolina Ethics Commission gets involved.
Bluffton – Rick Krob, the chairman of the Bluffton fire department board, has been suspended by the Beaufort County Council as of April 28, 2025. His suspension is linked to an ongoing investigation, the details of which have not been disclosed to the public. Krob will remain suspended until either the investigation concludes or a new permanent fire chief is appointed, whichever occurs later.
The suspension decision was reached unanimously by the County Council following a closed-door executive session. Newly appointed County Attorney Brian Hulbert confirmed that the matter has been referred to the South Carolina Ethics Commission. Furthermore, the State Law Enforcement Division is currently deliberating on whether to pursue any potential criminal charges related to the investigation.
Former Bluffton Fire Chief Paul Boulware, who led the department for over 30 years, has been retired since February 2025 after being instructed to return district property. The situation surrounding Boulware has raised concerns among firefighters, particularly about the impact on his reputation given the lack of specific information regarding the investigation.
Details Surrounding the Suspension
Rick Krob has been a member of the Bluffton fire department board since September 2021 and was elected as chairman in February 2024. His suspension is part of the ongoing inquiry initiated following a sudden personnel change affecting Boulware. The investigation began when Boulware was directed to return property belonging to the fire district.
The Bluffton Township Fire District Board of Commissioners, which comprises seven members appointed by the Beaufort County Council, serves in an advisory capacity to the County Administrator. Notably, the County Administrator holds the ultimate decision-making authority regarding personnel issues within the fire department.
The Investigative Process
While the specifics of the investigation remain undisclosed, there have been public concerns expressed regarding the implications for Boulware. During a recent County Council meeting, firefighters raised issues about the challenges Boulware faces in defending his reputation without knowing the particulars of the investigation. These expressions of concern highlight the community’s interest in fair treatment and transparency throughout the inquiry process.
Vice Chair Anna Maria Tabernik emphasized the importance of protecting Boulware’s reputation during the investigation. Her comments reflect a broader concern about the impact of the ongoing investigation on not only those directly involved but also the firefighters and the community that they serve.
Key Points on the Fire Department’s Role
The Bluffton fire department board is responsible for making recommendations to the County Council on matters such as budgets, expenditures, and other activities related to the fire district. The board’s advisory role is crucial as it helps guide decision-making that affects the firefighters and the community’s safety services. With Krob’s suspension, the board’s function will continue to be under scrutiny as well during the investigation.
Conclusion
The investigation into Rick Krob and its implications for former Fire Chief Paul Boulware have raised several questions both from the council members and the community. As the investigation progresses, further updates are anticipated regarding the outcomes and any actions that may emerge from the findings by the South Carolina Ethics Commission or the State Law Enforcement Division.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Bluffton, South Carolina
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Bluffton Fire Department
- Bluffton Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Department
- Live 5 News
- Google News: Bluffton Fire Chief Investigations
