People from Richburg’s community are still finding ways to speak out and show support 
RICHBURG, S.C. (WBTV) - Community members across Chester County and beyond are continuing to make their voices heard about the Richburg Fire Protection District being dissolved by the county council.
On Monday, Chester County Council had its second reading of the ordinance that would remove each member of Richburg’s Fire Protection District Board.
People from Richburg’s community are still finding ways to speak out and show support for their Fire Chief, T. Melton.
Many community members said whether they were watching in-person or watching online, Monday night’s county council meeting got intense as the Richburg Fire Protection District board and long-time fire Chief T. Melton’s paid administrative leave were discussed.
“It got pretty ugly, and I would like to see everybody just get along,” said community member Lani Campbell.
People in this community want to know more about why the district is being investigated.
“We deserve to know, and T. and the fire department deserve to know what and how this is happening?” said Beth Canupp.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division told WBTV that on Sept. 23, they were requested by Chester County Sheriff Max Dorsey to investigate allegations of fraud within the Richburg Fire Protection District.
“There was substantial enough information and credibility that was tied to that information that it needed to be turned over to the property authorities to investigate,” said Chester County’s Administrator Brian Hester.
Hester said the county chose to work to dissolve the board to prevent additional conflict during the investigation. He said Chief Melton was placed on leave as a protective measure.
“That is not a determination of guilt or innocence, or accusation; it is strictly procedural,” Hester said.
Hester said the county created all five of its fire districts and has always had authority over Richburg’s. Now, the Richburg Fire Protection District is being overseen by Chester Emergency Services, and Hester said there will be no disruption to services.
“What’s important is that firefighting services, life-saving services are still all in place and nothing’s gonna change there,” Hester said.
Several community members said they’ve known Melton for years -- each one speaking to how great they believe his contributions to the community have been.
Canupp said she’s seen him and the Richburg Fire Department help people on medical calls.
“I’ve seen the work and how hard they try, and they will not give up on bringing somebody back,” Canupp said.
Campbell said she’s experienced the same and has seen Melton help anyone who needed it.
“For me, for my mom when she was living, for my grandfather when he was living, and just for the community in general,” Campbell said. “I mean, he stops on the side of the road, and he doesn’t even know the person. I mean, he’s just that caring.”
A lot of community members shared with WBTV that they want to see Melton come back to the fire department.
Last week, the county’s administrator explained that just because the county council is taking over the district for now, it doesn’t mean that the council can’t amend the ordinance to bring the board back in the future.