When the Landrum Area Fire and Rescue District was established by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2015, commissioners were appointed to serve on the governing board until 2017, at which time, commissioners would be elected representatives.
On Monday, January 22, 2018, history was made as the first elected commission was sworn in.
Commissioners J.R. Jackson, Pam Hilsman, and Scott Owens were initial appointees who ran for the office in November.
Commissioner Diana Winkler ran for the office after being appointed by Governor McMaster to fill the unexpired portion of her husband Bart Winkler’s term when he retired from the commission in 2017.
Although Commissioner Joe Brown is new to the board, as a past chief of the department in its previous form, he isn’t new to Landrum or the fire service. Commissioner Brown decided to run after Commissioner Christopher Chestnut announced that he would not seek election to the post.
After each commissioner took the oath of office, the board elected its officers.
Pam Hilsman was re-elected as chair, Diana Winkler was elected vice chair, and J.R. Jackson was re-elected Secretary/Treasurer.