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5 Major Upgrades Transforming The City Of Myrtle Beach Fire Department In 2025 And Beyond

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The City of Myrtle Beach Fire Department (MBFD) is undergoing a significant and transformative period of change, marked by major capital investments, a push for better firefighter work-life balance, and strategic expansion to handle the growing demands of the Grand Strand. As of late 2025, the department is actively pursuing ambitious goals that will redefine its operational capacity and solidify its status as one of South Carolina's elite public safety agencies.

This article provides an in-depth look at the most current initiatives, from a massive new station project to a critical shift change, ensuring residents and visitors have the latest details on the forces protecting this vibrant coastal city. The MBFD remains a cornerstone of the city's public safety infrastructure, providing comprehensive services that extend far beyond traditional fire suppression.

Meet the Leadership: Fire Chief Thomas M. Gwyer

The operational excellence and forward-thinking initiatives of the Myrtle Beach Fire Department are guided by a seasoned veteran of the service.

  • Full Name: Thomas M. Gwyer (Tom Gwyer)
  • Current Position: Fire Chief, City of Myrtle Beach Fire Department
  • Start Date with MBFD: 1993
  • Appointment to Fire Chief: 2018
  • Career Summary: Chief Gwyer is a long-serving member of the department, having dedicated over 25 years to the City of Myrtle Beach before his appointment as Fire Chief. His leadership has focused on modernization and maintaining the department's elite status. He succeeded a 39-year veteran in the role, highlighting the department's tradition of promoting experienced internal leadership.
  • Key Entities: Fire Chief, Thomas M. Gwyer, MBFD, Leadership, Public Safety, City of Myrtle Beach.

The Push for a 24/72 Shift Schedule: Improving Firefighter Wellness

One of the most critical and current initiatives at the Myrtle Beach Fire Department is the drive to transition to a more sustainable and firefighter-friendly work schedule. This change is a direct response to the need for improved work-life balance and reduced burnout in a high-demand environment.

The Proposed 24-on, 72-off Schedule

The department is actively pushing to move to a "24-on, 72-off" shift schedule. This means firefighters would work a 24-hour shift, followed by 72 consecutive hours (three days) off. This model is widely regarded in the fire service as beneficial for mental health, family time, and overall wellness, compared to more taxing schedules currently in use.

The Federal Grant Hurdle

To successfully implement the 24/72 shift, the MBFD must maintain adequate staffing levels to ensure continuous, high-quality emergency response. The City Council has voted to apply for a crucial federal grant—likely a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant—to fund the hiring of eight new firefighters. This additional personnel is essential to make the new schedule mathematically and operationally feasible.

This strategic move is part of a broader national trend where fire departments are recognizing that firefighter wellness directly impacts public safety. By securing the grant and hiring the new staff, the MBFD will take a monumental step toward a healthier, more rested, and more effective workforce.

Massive Capital Projects and the New Fire Station No. 1

The infrastructure of the Myrtle Beach Fire Department is set for a significant overhaul, reflecting the city's commitment to public safety and its rapid growth. This modernization is a key component of the city's five-year capital improvement plan. [cite: 12 (from previous search)]

$50 Million Public Safety Investment

The City of Myrtle Beach's multi-year plan includes an estimated $50 million dedicated to public safety infrastructure, which encompasses both the Police and Fire Departments. This substantial investment underscores the priority placed on providing first responders with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. [cite: 12 (from previous search)]

The 2026 Groundbreaking for Fire Station No. 1

The most prominent project is the construction of a new Fire Station No. 1. The groundbreaking for this state-of-the-art facility is currently planned for 2026. This new station will be a vital hub for the department and the city's emergency services. [cite: 2, 4, 5 (from previous search)]

Key features of the new Fire Station No. 1 include:

  • Emergency Operations Center (EOC): The new station will house the city's primary Emergency Operations Center. This is a critical function, serving as the central command and coordination point during major events, such as hurricanes, severe weather, or large-scale incidents in Horry County. [cite: 4 (from previous search)]
  • Enhanced Firefighter Quarters: The design incorporates individual bunk rooms for firefighters. This modern standard is a significant improvement over traditional open-bay sleeping areas, providing essential privacy and better conditions for a 24-hour shift environment. [cite: 4 (from previous search)]
  • Strategic Location: The new facility will be built along Robert Grissom Parkway, ensuring rapid deployment and improved coverage across the city's core areas. [cite: 4 (from previous search)]

Elite Status: ISO Class 1 Rating and Comprehensive Services

The Myrtle Beach Fire Department holds the prestigious ISO Class 1 rating, placing it in an elite category of fire departments nationwide. This rating is a testament to the department's superior preparedness, equipment, and training. [cite: 5, 11 (from previous search)]

What is an ISO Class 1 Rating?

The Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) program evaluates fire departments based on their structure, equipment, water supply, and emergency communications. A Class 1 rating is the highest possible designation, indicating that the department provides excellent fire suppression and protection services. This rating often translates into lower property insurance costs for residents and businesses within the city.

Full-Service Emergency Response

The MBFD is one of the busiest departments in the state, utilizing a state-of-the-art fire fleet and operating from six strategically located fire stations across the city. The department's services extend beyond fire suppression to include a full spectrum of emergency response capabilities:

  • Emergency Medical Services (EMS): Providing vital first-response and medical aid.
  • Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT): Specialized teams trained to handle chemical, biological, or radiological incidents.
  • Technical Rescue: Expertise in complex rescue operations, including high-angle, confined space, and structural collapse scenarios.

The department's commitment to continuous improvement, evidenced by its pursuit of a new shift schedule and the development of new facilities, ensures that the City of Myrtle Beach remains protected by a highly professional and top-tier public safety organization. The ongoing capital projects and focus on firefighter well-being are clear indicators of a department planning strategically for the future of the Grand Strand.

5 Major Upgrades Transforming the City of Myrtle Beach Fire Department in 2025 and Beyond
city of myrtle beach fire department
city of myrtle beach fire department

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