TYBEE ISLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT

P O BOX 2749
TYBEE ISLAND, GEORGIA 31328

To:

Diane Schleicher, City Manager

From:

Chief C.L. Sasser

Subject:

Tybee Island Fire Department

Date:

March 30, 2015

In 1936, A.P. Solomon, Jr. established the islands first fire department. Solomon relied on
local men (a.k.a. volunteers) to rush to the scene of any emergency. His mission was the
same as it is today: to protect the lives and property of Tybee residents and visitors. Since
2004, this has also been my mission as chief.
When I assumed the helm of this department in 2004, staffing consisted of a part-time
administrative assistant and me, a part-time chief on full time duty. My budget at that time
was small in comparison to other departments. The fire department administrative building
was built in the 1940s and has changed very little. The city had four fire trucks and Squad 6
to respond to emergency calls. Within a couple years, the summer season lifeguards came
under my supervision from the police department. There were roughly 20 young men who
worked the beaches. They came with a budget of approximately $110,000 the first year I
had them. Since 2004, some of my accomplishments include:
Requested the administrative assistant to be a full time position; this was approved
Requested the construction of three additional bay doors for drive-thru efficiency at
the fire department; this was approved
Requested the purchase of a 2000 gallon tanker truck for the protection of the
unincorporated and no water supply areas within our fire district; this was approved
Established a new (but temporary) Ocean Rescue headquarters with a dispatch office,
rest facilities for guards, treatment area for victims, and improved medical equipment
for various emergency situations on the beach or in the water
Purchased 800 MHz radios (hand held) for Ocean Rescue and dispatch for faster and
better communications
(866)786-4573 X 117
Fax- (888-550-8219)
Mail to: firedept@cityoftybee.org
www.cityoftybee.org

TYBEE ISLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT

P O BOX 2749
TYBEE ISLAND, GEORGIA 31328

Purchased Kawasaki mules (replacing ATVs) for Ocean Rescue to act as mini
ambulances with lights, sirens and medical equipment to save lives
Requested the purchase of two jet skis for faster water responses as well as to
maintain vigilant watch on the south beach sand bar and the unprotected water areas
of the beach; this was approved
Since being in charge of Ocean Rescue, this unit has been recognized as a top rated
unit within our region
Requested the purchase of a 13 Zodiac rescue boat for the fire department for yearround water emergencies; this was approved
Through personal contacts with the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police
Department, obtained, free of charge to Tybee residents, a 19 Zodiac rescue boat for
responding to water emergencies during rough sea conditions
Both Zodiac boats have been involved in multiple life-saving rescues on Tybee and
Little Tybee Island; our response times are unbeatable by other agencies
Requested a full time firefighter position; this was approved
Requested three part time firefighter positions; this was approved
With the paid firefighter positions at the fire department during the week, the response
times to emergency calls has been greatly improved for public safety
Tybee Emergency Management Agency was placed under the authority of the fire
department
Requested the purchase of an enclosed trailer for T.E.M.A. for the transportation of
emergency supplies and equipment during any city-wide emergency; this was
approved
Requested the purchase of an outdoor audible emergency warning system after being
requested to look into this by the Mayor; this was approved
Requested the addition of two fire bays to house additional rescue equipment; through
SPLOST monies, one bay was approved
During my tenure, two ISO (Insurance Service Office) ratings have been completed;
Tybee has maintained a rating of 4. We cannot go lower until a 24/7 fire department
is established
Requested the purchase of 15 sets of new firefighter protective gear for the safety of
the firefighters with 15 more sets needing to be purchased; this was approved
Requested a large generator to operate the bay doors during electrical outages; this
was approved
(866)786-4573 X 117
Fax- (888-550-8219)
Mail to: firedept@cityoftybee.org
www.cityoftybee.org

TYBEE ISLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT

P O BOX 2749
TYBEE ISLAND, GEORGIA 31328

Requested the increase in communications funding for the upgrades in radios for
firefighter safety; this was approved
Requested the purchase of thermal imagery equipment for the location and rescue of
civilians and firefighter safety; this was approved
Requested a 4-wheel drive transport vehicle (CV1-Command) to tow boats, transport
personnel, and provide a back-up for Squad 6 medical calls when needed; this was
approved
Requested a 40 and a 20 Connex trailers to be located behind the fire department for
realistic fire training to build confidence in personnel; this was approved
Requested the purchase of a mini-pumper for medical and firefighting capabilities;
this was approved

Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of this department. The majority of fire departments
across the United States are volunteer departments. These men and women give their time,
energy and devotion to their communities. Tybee is no different. I have attempted to
supervise fairly and consistently for the past ten, almost eleven, years. Every Wednesday
night, training is held. However, this is contingent on the number of volunteers who show
up. I cant control that number. I cant dictate or impose penalties for not showing up.
Volunteers have careers, families and other responsibilities just like you. I hope for the best
every week. When issues arise, the main body of firefighters are advised and given the
opportunity to voice their concerns. This is taken into consideration before I make a final
decision. I have attempted to maintain a level of harmony that everyone can live with.
My priority as chief has always been to protect the lives and property of Tybee residents and
her visitors. Im proud to say that not one firefighter has been severely injured or died in the
line of duty since 2004. And, no loss of life has occurred in a structure fire. In 24 years of
supervising law enforcement and fire personnel, my expectations are high. I expect those
who serve with me to perform their duties in a professional manner at all times, in all places.
I hold them and myself to a higher standard than the general public.

(866)786-4573 X 117
Fax- (888-550-8219)
Mail to: firedept@cityoftybee.org
www.cityoftybee.org

TYBEE ISLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT

P O BOX 2749
TYBEE ISLAND, GEORGIA 31328

With recent issues that have come up in the fire department, I feel that my leadership ability
has come under question. It has never been my intention to offend or hurt the feelings of
anyone within the fire department or at City Hall. However, in my opinion, the drama that is
now taking place will continue until those responsible are held accountable and action is
taken to stop this foolishness.
Ive lived on this island since I was a young boy in elementary school. After returning from
military service, I joined the fire department in 1980 because of my desire to serve our
citizens. It was fun, exciting, and the camaraderie was unparalleled. I believe that my
effectiveness as chief has been undermined up to and including my decisions as a
department head. After 35 years on the department, the last 11 as chief, I am advising you
of my intention to retire at the end of this month.

Chief C.L. Sasser

(866)786-4573 X 117
Fax- (888-550-8219)
Mail to: firedept@cityoftybee.org
www.cityoftybee.org