"The Chapin Area Fire Service, part of the Lexington County Fire SErvice, has a paid staff including a chief, captain, lieutenant, three apparatus operators and one firefighter, and 46 volunteers.

The Chapin Area Fire Service protects the 48 square miles of Lexington County that borders the northern shore of Lake Murray. It responds to Richland and Newberry Counties for mutual aid.

The fire service responds to all types of emergencies -- fires, rescue and medical calls. It runs approximately 300 calls a year.

The Chapin Area Fire Servcie has five engines and three tankers, three service trucks and one Chief's car. The service also has extrication equipment, air bags, air cascade system, rescue rope equipment, and a Thermal Imaging Camera. The camera was the first in the Lexington County Fire Service, and was paid for with funds raised in the Chapin community.

To volunteer as a fireman, you need to complete an application and, once it is approved, you can begin training. The training consists of an orientaiton class and approximately 160 hours of basic training."

Chief David O. Fulmer