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Dorchester County Breaks Ground at Newest Park
Dorchester County Government held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Pine Trace Natural Area on Thursday, March 9, 2023. Community leaders and honored guests gathered together to celebrate the future 306-acre park that will be located near Eugene Sires Elementary School (301 Chandler Creek Road).
Pine Trace Natural Area will feature an extensive trail system throughout the mature mixed hardwood forest, bike/pedestrian connections, a 6-acre fishing pond, fishing pier, ADA kayak launch, shelters, playground, disc golf course, and dog parks.
The County purchased 306 acres in 2011 with the vision to have a park at the site someday. During the next few years, the county began building the first Dorchester County Parks and Recreation Department to help formalize their plans and lead park projects. In 2019, the County secured funding for the construction of Pine Trace Natural Area as a result of the $38 million parks capital bond referendum. With funding in place, the County was able to move forward with the design and master planning. This month, construction will begin for the new park.
The groundbreaking ceremony included a welcome address by Dorchester County Council Chairman Todd Friddle and remarks by Vice-Chairman David Chinnis, Councilman and Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission Jay Byars, and Parks and Recreation Director Austin Zuniga.
“Today is an especially poignant time as I recall walking this property over ten years ago when Council was deciding to purchase the land in the hopes that we could turn it into a park. I couldn’t be more excited that we’re here today to celebrate the start of construction. A little over a year from now those in my district and in the greater Dorchester community will have this space to enjoy the outdoors,” said Vice-Chairman David Chinnis.
Pine Trace Natural Area is expected to be completed by mid-summer of 2024.
The Unsung Heroes of Public Safety
Did you know that telecommunicators have one of the most stressful jobs in the country? 911 lines are open 24/7, and telecommunicators and dispatchers are the first ones to respond. They work nights, weekends, and holidays, often missing important family events so that they are available to answer the call. Our telecommunicators work extra hours when the center is short-staffed to make sure that our services to you aren’t impacted. In the first three months of 2023, Dorchester County Consolidated Dispatch answered over 47,500 calls.
During the week of April 9-15, telecommunicators across the country are recognized and honored for their hard work and dedication. On Monday, April 3, Dorchester County Council will adopt a proclamation in appreciation of their service to the county.
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EMT Recruit School Program
Dorchester County is now hiring those who are interested in pursuing a career with EMS. In partnership with Trident Technical College, EMS will provide new recruits with a combination of on-the-job training and academic study in preparation for the National Registry of EMT's Emergency Medical Technician Basic Exam.
Candidates work 40 hours a week with four days spent on the EMT-Basic National Standard Curriculum and one day spent on an ambulance developing practical skills.
Employees will be hired as an EMT Basic - Recruit as full time DCEMS employees making a salary of $37,505. Successful completion of the program will result in additional salary compensation.
Applications and Qualifications
Qualifications for EMT Recruit School candidates include the following:
- High School Diploma
- 21+ Years of Age
- Valid State Driver's License
**Those with experience in the medical field (Emergency Medical Responders, Certified Nursing Assistants, etc.) will be given priority in the hiring process.
Apply to be an EMT Recruit School Candidate.
For more information or to speak with a recruiter, please contact Eloise Davis, Human Resources Recruiter, at (843) 832-1640 or edavis@dorchestercountysc.gov.
First Responder of the Quarter, Rickie Jenkins, Chief Fire Marshal with Dorchester County Fire Rescue
There are few people in the world like Dorchester County's Chief Rickie Jenkins. If you know him, you love him. He is one-of-a-kind, always there with a smile, kind word, and ready to share a laugh. He works tirelessly as the Chief Fire Marshal throughout the year, but he deserves extra recognition for his work during Fire Prevention Month this past fall. Throughout the course of 34 days, he led, coordinated, and participated in 37 community outreach events. He worked every weekend and numerous evenings during this time, which is far beyond the scope of his job duties. This is in addition to his regular responsibilities of visiting and inspecting every business in Dorchester County, investigating fires, recruiting new volunteers and firefighters, and leading and serving on the Fire Rescue administration team.
Rickie takes his position and elevates it because he genuinely loves his community. It’s not a job to him; it’s a calling, and his community knows they can count on him. No one even really knows the extent of his service, BUT, he’s the one that residents call on after hours because they know they can count on him to help with whatever is needed - whether it's a grocery delivery or a lawn mowed. His dedication to the department and to the county is unmatched, and we are proud that he represents Dorchester County as the First Responder of the Quarter.
Employee of the Quarter, LaQuan Priest, Assistant Park Manager at Dorchester County Parks and Recreation
In just a little over a year, LaQuan has made his mark as an employee of Dorchester County. He has been nominated multiple times for his kindness to others, his servant leadership, and his incredible work ethic. Since his first day, he has gone above and beyond for his department and for the County. He often works 15 hour days to make sure that the park is meeting our community's needs. He's always volunteering to help out other departments with setting up for events, picking up trash, staying late to clean up, or whatever is needed. He has also become a mentor to his part-time staff, many of whom are still in high school.
If you've met him, you know that his smile and demeanor create a welcoming environment that allows for his employees and patrons to enjoy their time in the park. He leads by example and doesn't let his job title or description interfere with doing any job needed to get things done. Dorchester County is a better place because of LaQuan Priest.
 Dorchester County and Town of Summerville Host a Joint Workshop
On March 15, Town and County officials convened for a joint strategic planning workshop facilitated by General Hank Taylor. Topics presented by staff included the following:
- Public Works, Water and Sewer, and Infrastructure
- Planning and Zoning
- Parks and Recreation
- Economic Development
- Transportation Projects and Greenbelt
- Public Safety
- Community Services (Animal Control and Code Enforcement)
- Capital Projects
Discussion also included possible projects for collaboration, some of which included wastewater service, long range transportation planning, and parks/recreation.
 National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week
From April 9-15, we're celebrating our Dorchester County Animal Control Officers who have responded to 1,290 calls since January 1, 2023.
Did you know?
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Animal Control Officers conduct investigations.
These investigations include identifying animal bites in the local health department, searching for lost pets, or finding out if an animal has been abused or neglected and bringing perpetrators to justice.
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They are first responders.
Like law enforcement officers and firefighters, their job consists of being the first on the scene of an animal control emergency.
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They rescue animals.
Animal Control Officers rescue and foster animals, and often help to relocate wildlife back to their habitats.
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Ashley River Park Egg Hunt in the Dark
7-12 year old's are invited to Ashley River Park (200 Renken Rd., Summerville) for a Glow-in-the-Dark Easter Egg Hunt on Friday, April 7 from 7:30pm - 8:30pm.
You MUST pre-register for this free event at dorchesterparks.org.
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Davis-Bailey Easter Egg Hunt
All ages are invited to an Easter Egg Hunt at Davis-Bailey Park (5190 E. Jim Bilton Blvd., St. George) on Saturday, April 8 from 10:00am - 12:00pm.
Kids will enjoy pictures with the Easter Bunny, music, games, a petting zoo, and MORE!
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 Dorchester Paws Community Day at Davis-Bailey Park
Dorchester Paws will hold their next Community Day at Davis-Bailey Park (5190 E. Jim Bilton Blvd., St. George) on Saturday, April 15 from 10:00am - 12:00pm.
Dorchester Paws and and Animal Control will be handing out supplies and educational resources, and signing individuals up for assistance for spay/neuter services through a partnership with Charleston Animal Society in May.
 Free Roaming Cats (aka Community Cats) Program
Outdoor cats are domestic cats who live outdoors without a clear owner. They are cats that have been trapped, neutered, vaccinated, and returned to the location that they were caught to effectively manage South Carolina's overpopulation of feral cats.
On March 6, 2023, County Council passed a resolution adopting rules and regulations regarding the Code of Ordinances in reference to the Free Cat Roaming Program.
Neighborhood Services is working to Trap-Neuter-Return in order to address the issue of stray cat overpopulation in Dorchester County. This will help to reduce nuisance cat complaints, animal disease in communities, overall euthanasia rate, and increase compliance with our free roaming cat ordinance.
The County has partnered with Dorchester Paws to perform spay/neuter services to further support TNR. Residents are encouraged to trap cats and take them to be spayed/neutered to Dorchester Paws for a nominal voluntary donation that helps to offset the costs for these services. The resident is then responsible to retrieve the cats and return them to where they came from. This program is based on appointments; cats CANNOT be dropped off without an appointment.
If you are interested in getting the cats around you fixed, email Dorchester Paws for more information: tnr@dorchesterpaws.org
The County is also interested in partnering with local veterinarian clinics for a program to provide spay/neuter services. If interested, please contact Animal Control.
 St. George Storytelling Festival at the Historic St. George Rosenwald School
Dorchester County Library (DCL), in partnership with the Save The Children, The St. George Rosenwald School, and The Friends of the St. George Library, is hosting The St. George Storytelling Festival, Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 10am-5pm and Sunday, April 30, 2023, from 1pm-5pm at the Historic St. George Rosenwald School, 205 Ann St, St. George, SC 29477. Admission is free and open to all.
This year's festival will feature an impressive lineup of storytellers, including Tim Lowry, Joanna Maddox, Michael Harrell, Aunt Pearlie Sue, and Julian Gooding. Each of these talented individuals brings a unique style and perspective to their storytelling, offering a diverse range of tales and experiences for audiences to enjoy.
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