New Fire Chief Settles In

Summerville's new fire chief started Monday. 

Fire Chief Richard Waring has spent his first day touring stations — meeting "the guys" — and getting into the groove of his hometown's fire operations. Retiring Fire Chief Marc Melfi leaves his position on Friday, after helping Waring acclimate. 

Waring left the City of Charleston's fire department as a battalion chief. He served the city for more than 19 years, while maintaining a volunteer presence in Summerville.

He also left a hefty commute behind. He lives with his wife and three daughters five minutes away from the department on North 2nd West Street. 

Waring began his career following in the footsteps of his father, a former fire chief for the town. His brother works for the City of Charleston. 

Now, in the same position his father held, Waring hopes to provide "a fresh set of eyes."

"But I still am from right here in Summerville," he said Tuesday.

So far, he hasn't seen any major fixes within the department, just a few organizational items, he said, adding "I'm still getting my arms around it." 

Updated to correct Waring's former title at the City of Charleston Fire Department.