ORANGEBURG, S.C. — For the past 35 years, sirens have been the soundtrack to the life of Edward Barnett, the first African American fire chief in Santee.
Late nights and emergency calls are all part of a day's work, but Barnett doesn't mind because he's fulfilling his childhood dream of being a part of his local fire department.
"In elementary school, I used to like to look at this TV program called 'Emergency,'" Barnett said. "It was a show based out in California, and I used to like hearing all the sirens. I used to like seeing how they helped people, and I thought 'Well, one day I would like to do that.'"
Barnett started the job in 1986, serving diligently as a volunteer for 12 years.
Barnett always aspired to be a fire chief, even though no one who had ever held the role before looked like him.
In 1998, that changed Barnett became the first African American fire chief in the Town of Santee. But, the change came with challenges.
"When I first started I heard a lot of negative talk. A lot of people said I wouldn’t succeed, but I took it as a positive because I’m the type of person that likes challenges," Barnett said. "You said I couldn’t do it, but I’m going to prove that I can do it. I knew I had all the abilities and skills to perform the task and the duties."
Through it all, the veteran public servant sees his hardships as an opportunity to inspire others and teach a younger generation about what he calls his three keys to success.
"First, stay in prayer with God. Second, always document everything. And last, always do the right thing, regardless of what your situation might be. Always do the right thing," says Barnett.