Weather Data Source: South Carolina Weather

Government

Government - City of Charleston - Charleston South Carolina

Charleston County, South Carolina

Charleston features a strong mayor-council system, with the mayor serving as the municipality’s top administrator and executive officer. The mayor, like the other council members, presides over municipal council meetings and has a vote. John Tecklenburg has been the mayor since 2016. The council is made up of 12 members who are chosen from single-member districts.

Fire department

Charleston Fire Department Engines 2 and 3 have their own station houses.

Over 300 full-time firefighters work for the City of Charleston Fire Department. These firemen work out of 21 different companies spread across the city, including 16 engine companies, two tower companies, two ladder companies, a heavy rescue company, a HAZ-MAT unit, and other special units. The departments of the department include Training, Fire Marshall, Operations, and Administration. The department operates on a 24/48 basis and has an ISO Class 1 grade. Russell (Rusty) Thomas was the Fire Chief until June 2008, when he was succeeded by Chief Thomas Carr. Chief Daniel Curia currently leads the department.

Police department

The City of Charleston Police Department is South Carolina’s largest, with 458 sworn officers, 117 civilians, and 27 reserve police officers. Their tactics for combating drug usage and gang violence in the city are utilized as templates for other cities to follow. [Citation required] The current Chief of Police is Luther Reynolds. He is a fan of Greg Mullen and Reuben Greenberg. Chief Reynolds is praised for sustaining effective community engagement projects such as The Illumination Project and cultivating a mutual respect culture. The agency has effectively overcome obstacles such as the Coronavirus and downtown unrest under Chief Reynolds’ leadership. Furthermore, in a competitive market, the agency continues to recruit police candidates.

EMS and medical centers

Charleston County Emergency Medical Services (CCEMS) and Berkeley County Emergency Medical Services (BCEMS) offer emergency medical services (EMS) for the city (BCEMS). Because the city lies in both Charleston and Berkeley counties, it is served by both EMS and 911 services.

Charleston is the principal medical hub for the state’s eastern region. The downtown region is home to numerous large hospitals, including the Medical University of South Carolina Medical Center (MUSC), the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, and Roper Hospital. MUSC is the state’s first medical school, the largest medical institution in the state, and the sixth-oldest continuously functioning medical school in the United States.

The downtown medical center is seeing fast growth in the biotechnology and medical research businesses, as well as significant expansions of all major hospitals. Furthermore, significant developments are planned or underway at another large hospital in West Ashley: Bon Secours-St Francis Xavier Hospital. The Trident Regional Medical Center in North Charleston and the East Cooper Regional Medical Center in Mount Pleasant both serve the needs of Charleston residents.

Coast Guard Station Charleston

Coast Guard Station Charleston is responsible for search and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement, and Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security (PWCS) missions. Station Charleston personnel are highly trained professionals that can complete a variety of jobs. They include federal law enforcement officers, boat crewmen, and coxswains. The Coast Guard announced plans to build a 2,800-acre (11 km2) “superbase” on the former Charleston Naval Shipyard complex in 2020 to centralize all of its Charleston-area facilities and serve as the homeport for five Security cutters and more offshore cutters.

Coast Guard Sector Charleston (District 7)

  • Coast Guard Station Charleston
  • Coast Guard Reserves, Charleston
  • Coast Guard Helicopter Air Facility, Johns Island, Charleston
  • USCGC Anvil, 75-foot inland construction tender, Charleston
  • USCGC Yellowfin, Marine Protector-class coastal patrol boat, Charleston
  • USCGC Willow, (WLB-202), Charleston
  • Joint Base Charleston (Navy & Air Force)
  • Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District Headquarters
Construction of new sewer lines in Lincolnville

Lincolnville Tackles Failing Septic Systems with New Sewer Plan

July 9, 2025

News Summary Lincolnville, a town in Charleston County, faces significant challenges in addressing failing septic systems, with a costly $1 million project needed for sewer infrastructure. The population discrepancy between...

Abandoned boats in Charleston waterways posing environmental risks

Charleston Takes Action on Abandoned Boats Regulations

July 9, 2025

News Summary Charleston has adopted new regulations to tackle the environmental and safety hazards caused by abandoned boats in its waterways. These updated rules aim to enhance safety and adhere...

Activists protesting in Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston Activists Challenge City’s Demonstration Ordinance

July 4, 2025

News Summary Activists in Charleston, South Carolina, are calling for changes to the city’s ‘First Amendment Demonstrations’ ordinance, which requires permits for gatherings of 25 or more. Critics argue the...

Shrimp dish served at a Charleston restaurant, emphasizing local seafood.

South Carolina Shrimpers Association Sues Local Restaurants

July 4, 2025

News Summary The South Carolina Shrimpers Association has filed a federal lawsuit against 25 Charleston-area restaurants for allegedly misrepresenting their shrimp as locally caught when it is actually imported. The...

Charleston County Sheriff's Office and Law Enforcement Assets

Nancy Mace Visits Charleston County Sheriff’s Office

July 3, 2025

News Summary Congresswoman Nancy Mace visited the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office to discuss key changes and law enforcement strategies under Sheriff Carl Ritchie. Emphasizing the impact of reforms, Mace highlighted...

Interior view of a bank lobby emphasizing surveillance and security setups.

Moncks Corner Man Arrested for Attempted Bank Robbery

July 3, 2025

News Summary Jason Rashad Simmons, a 37-year-old from Moncks Corner, was arrested after attempting to rob First Citizens Bank in West Ashley. Using a public computer, he printed a note...

Delicious local shrimp dishes served in a Charleston restaurant

SCSA Sues Restaurants Over Shrimp Sourcing Mislabeling

July 3, 2025

News Summary The South Carolina Shrimpers Association has filed a lawsuit against 25 Charleston restaurants for allegedly mislabeling shrimp as local while they are imported. This action seeks to combat...

Empty North Charleston city council chamber

North Charleston Councilman Continues to Collect Salary During Suspension

July 2, 2025

News Summary North Charleston Councilman Mike Brown remains on salary during his suspension linked to a federal corruption investigation. Despite being indicted on bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy charges, state...

Aerial view of traffic congestion in Charleston area with surrounding green spaces.

Charleston County Voters Reject Transportation Tax Referendum

July 2, 2025

News Summary Voters in Charleston County have decisively rejected a half-cent transportation sales tax referendum, with 61% voting against it. The referendum aimed to raise $5.4 billion for road projects,...

HERE CHARLESTON

Would you like to add your business to our site?

WordPress Ads