Chief Richard Hathaway has announced his retirement from the Isle of Palms Fire Department. His last day with the department will be Oct. 14. His dedication, support and contribution will not only be hard to replace but truly missed.
Hathaway first started out as a volunteer firefighter at the age of 14. “It’s something I had always wanted to do. I had family members who were firefighters, and I wanted to just follow along,” shared Hathaway, who has served as a firefighter for 36 years.
Hathaway’s career began at the North Charleston Fire Department in 1998. Then he went to work with the City of Isle of Palms in 2001 right after 9/11. “I had friends who worked for IOP Fire Department, and they persuaded me to come over,” explained Hathaway of the decision. “I was very interested in the type of calls IOP Fire Department were receiving. I enjoyed working for NCFD and learned a lot from them. It was just a new opportunity.”
Despite experiencing countless dangerous, life-threatening experiences throughout his career, the memories that stand out most clearly in Hathaway’s mind and heart are those of the time spent with his fellow fighters: the camaraderie, teamwork and family they all became. “It makes this job honestly so much different than most careers. The closeness you have with the people who you work with is unmatched,” Hathaway said.
When asked about retirement, and what the next chapter may hold, Hathaway didn’t have any immediate plans, and he is okay with that. “A real bittersweet kind of decision to make. I have hobbies. Spending more time with family,” Hathaway said. “I’m originally from Kansas. At some point, I want to get back. I would like to go back to school.” As one chapter closes, others are beginning for new firefighters.
Hathaway’s advice to new firefighter hires? “Do your research. Make sure that you’re mentally and physically prepared to do the kind of work this job requires. Keep a positive attitude. Listen more than you speak in the beginning. Invest in this career and it will invest in you.”
As Hathaway winds down the final weeks of his 36-year career, his heart is full. “I love that I’ve had this opportunity. I would like to express my deepest gratitude,” he stated. “It’s been a tremendous career for me. I couldn’t have asked for anything different. I truly fulfilled my dream. There’s a lot of people who go to work every day miserable, and that’s just not the case for me. I’ve been so blessed. Thank you to everyone over the years who had invested in me. They believed in me. I’m grateful to the City of Isle of Palms. To my firehouse brothers and sisters, thank you for everything. We have the best people working here. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
IOPFD requests restructure to 2 fire chiefs
Hathaway’s retirement does leave a slight deficit within the department though. Recently, Fire Chief Craig Oliverius submitted a proposal to IOP City Council to restructure the fire department and establish a two-deputy chief system. This type of system isn’t uncommon and is often used in other cities. Presently, IOP Fire Department operates under a model with a single deputy chief who oversees operations and administration. “We are increasing our capabilities with our paramedic program, marine rescue and firefighting program. Being surrounded by water, we have a big need which requires more attention,” Hathaway explained.
Under the new proposal, the IOP Fire Department will have a deputy chief of operations and a deputy chief of special operations. This change involves reclassifying the current role of deputy chief of operations/ administration to deputy chief of operations and the position of battalion chief of training to deputy chief of special operations.
The deputy chief of operations would supervise the following functions:
• Emergency fire operations
• Emergency rescue operations (land-based)
• Emergency hazardous materials operations
• Non-emergent daily operations
The deputy chief of special operations would oversee:
• Marine firefighting operations
• Water rescue operations
• Special rescue operations
• Emergency medical operations
• Emergency management (ICS)
Benefits of the proposed structure include:
• Enhanced efficiency and focus
• Specialized leadership
• Improved oversight and accountability
• Support for new and future programs
The two-deputy proposal is still circulating within different committees at IOP City Council. After that, it will go to the full council for a vote.
By Maurice J. Frazier
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