BLUFFTON, S.C. (October 21, 2026) — The Bluffton Township Fire District has promoted James Thomas to battalion chief for Shift 3, assigned to Station 38. His promotion took effect Aug. 29.
Thomas was officially pinned during the Fire Commission Board meeting Oct. 20. His wife, two sons, father and stepmother attended the ceremony alongside his co-workers and Fire District leadership.
Thomas joined the Fire District Aug. 11, 2008, and began his career on Shift 3. He earned national certification as an emergency medical technician in September 2009 and received his South Carolina EMT certification later that month.
He was promoted to lieutenant in 2020 and reassigned to Shift 2. Most recently, he served as the lieutenant of Ladder 333 on that same shift.
During his 18-year career, Thomas has served as a hazardous materials technician on the district’s hazardous materials team and as an aerial apparatus driver and operator for Truck 335 and Ladder 333. In 2018, he deployed to Horry County following Hurricane Florence as part of an engine company providing coverage for Horry County Fire Rescue stations.
Thomas earned the Fire Officer designation from the Commission on Professional Credentialing, a program of the Center for Public Safety Excellence, in May 2026. He also earned his Fire Officer III certification in September.
For more information about the Bluffton Township Fire District, visit www.BlufftonFD.com.
