Mount Pleasant Magazine March/April 2018

59 www.ILoveMountPleasant.com | www.BestOfMP.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com feature Numbers, however, don’t tell the whole story. For example, there’s now a paramedic aboard every fire truck, ready to provide immediate help for everything from people hurt in auto accidents to a broken finger to a heart attack to a baby arriving in this world a little earlier than expected. “About 10 years ago, we changed our business model to address not just firefighting but also the needs of the community,” Williams explained. “More than 60 percent of our calls are medically-related. There are fewer fires now, but the senior population has grown, so there are more medical issues.” 911 calls are handled by Charleston County, and, in many cases, a Mount Pleasant fire truck can reach the scene of an emergency quicker than an ambulance. And though the fire department doesn’t transport to hospitals, the paramedic will often ride in the ambulance with the patient. “As with any fire department, you have to know the demands of your community,” Williams said, pointing out that of the 8,958 calls answered by his department in 2017, only 239 were fire-related. Williams, who will turn 61 on June 11, three days after he officially retires, is certain that the Mount Pleasant Fire Department will continue to thrive after he’s gone. He said that if he wasn’t confident that was the case, he would not have decided to move on. “It’s time to turn the reins over to someone else,” he commented. “Sometimes you need a change in leadership. The people you have prepared to take over have more energy and different ideas. But I’m leaving the Fire Department in great shape, with a great foundation.” Williams, still in excellent health, won’t be retiring to a front porch rocking chair. He said he’ll be working on getting his golf handicap into the single digits and also spending more time serving his church, Royal Missionary Baptist, where he is an ordained deacon. He’ll also be accompanying his wife, who travels all over the world in her job as a clinical counselor with the U.S. Department of Defense. “My wife made it clear that it’s about time to give her some time,” From the latest cosmetic techniques in dentistry to gentle restorative procedures and preventative hygiene services, trust 22 years of experience and comprehensive dental training. Garner Family Dentistry, LLC 1059 Chuck Dawley Blvd. Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 843.884.6002 Mon-Thurs 8-5 cynthiagarnerdentistry.com • Bonding • Cosmetic Contouring • Crowns and Bridges • Cosmetic Fillings • Implants • Veneers • Zoom Whitening • Sealants • Extractions • Scaling and Root Planing • Dentures • Cosmetic Dentistry • Jaw/TMJ • Oral health screenings Cynthia Garner, DDS