BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — Berkeley County has appointed Ben Waring as its first Fire Services Manager, a newly created position within county government. Waring began his new role on Monday, Oct. 20.
A Summerville native and Berkeley County resident, Waring brings more than 25 years of experience in the fire service industry. In his new position, he will work with countywide and municipal fire departments to strengthen fire services across the county.
Waring most recently served as fire chief of Pine Ridge Fire Rescue, where he began as a volunteer firefighter in 1997 before becoming volunteer fire chief in 2007 and full-time chief in 2021. While leading Pine Ridge, Waring helped oversee the creation of the South Berkeley Fire District in September 2025, formed through the merger of Pine Ridge Fire Rescue and Goose Creek Rural Fire Department.
Waring’s fire service career began in 1995 with the Summerville Fire Department. After serving two years as a junior firefighter, he joined the Charleston Fire Department, where he spent 15 years and rose to the rank of captain.
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In 2012, Waring joined Dorchester County Fire Rescue as a battalion chief, a role he held until 2021. During his tenure, he played a key role in establishing a countywide fire service system in Dorchester County.
He currently serves as vice chair of the Berkeley County Fire Chiefs Association and is a member of the South Carolina Fire Chiefs Association and the South Carolina Firefighters Association, where he also serves as a trustee. His community involvement includes membership in Summerville Presbyterian Church, Summerville Masonic Lodge No. 234, and the Omar Shrine Temple.
“I’m honored to join Berkeley County Government and build on my decades of fire service experience in a new and impactful role, continuing to serve the communities I’m familiar with and alongside the local fire agencies who keep our county safe,” Waring said in a statement.
“Ben Waring brings a wealth of experience, proven leadership, vast operational knowledge, and a trustworthy commitment to public safety,” said Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb. “He knows Berkeley County and its communities know and trust him. We are confident that in this new and vital role, Waring will accomplish great things for the county and continue to work collaboratively with our municipal and volunteer agencies to strengthen service, safety and resilience throughout our communities.”
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