Not long ago, this writer read a commentary by an unknown author who posed the question, “Who changes the course of history...presidents, kings, generals?” And, the answer, of course, was yes. But, the author went on to point out that more often than not, it’s men and women with little social standing who most significantly reshape our communities and eventually the world.
This statement holds a lot of truth as evidenced by the history which chronicles the organization and growth of the Barnwell Fire Department. Prior to the establishment of a true and officially structured department, stories passed down through time from some of the “ole timers” indicate that firefighting was performed in a fashion similar to a fire brigade using buckets which were filled from large barrels of water located strategically throughout the town upon the sounding of an alarm of fire.