Wagener, August 20, 2025

News Summary

The Wagener Volunteer Fire Department faces serious allegations as two former chiefs, David Watson and Joseph Mark Redd, were arrested on charges of fraud. Watson, accused of fraudulently claiming over $42,000 in overtime pay, and Redd, facing multiple charges including misconduct and breach of trust, have sparked disappointment within the community. As the department struggles with internal turmoil and leadership changes, Mayor Mike Miller has appointed a new chief to restore stability. The arrests highlight ongoing concerns about financial mismanagement within the department.

Wagener Fire Department Scandal: Former Chiefs Arrested for Fraud

WAGENER, SC – Two former fire chiefs of the Wagener Volunteer Fire Department, David Watson (52) and Joseph Mark Redd (66), were arrested on August 19, 2025, facing serious charges of breach of trust with fraudulent intent. The legal action taken against these men follows a lengthy investigation into alleged financial mismanagement within the department.

Watson, who had been chief of the fire department until his resignation on October 19, 2023, is accused of fraudulently claiming overtime pay as a maintenance supervisor, amounting to a staggering $42,208.56 between June 30, 2022, and October 4, 2023. This violation reportedly involved claiming an average of 26 hours of overtime each week.

Redd, who served as fire chief for over 20 years before being dismissed from his position in November 2020, faces multiple charges. These include misconduct in office and breach of trust with fraudulent intent, specifically concerning expenses over the amount of $2,000 but less than $10,000. Allegations against him include the misuse of a Town of Wagener bank account for personal purposes. He reportedly wrote checks payable to himself and family members, purchased firearm components unrelated to fire department duties, and sought to conceal approximately $7,369.94 worth of questionable expenses.

Following their arrest, both Redd and Watson were booked at the Aiken County jail but posted bond later that same morning. Their initial court appearance is scheduled for October 24, 2025.

Department in Turmoil

The Wagener Fire Department has faced considerable turmoil over the last few years. This includes high turnover rates in leadership and a mass resignation of volunteers, largely driven by ongoing disputes between department leadership and municipal officials. The town council has expressed concerns about the department’s management and has been investigating questionable spending practices, including transferring fire fees to other accounts without proper accountability.

In response to the ongoing concerns and controversies, Mayor Mike Miller and the Wagener Town Council have appointed Hendrik Swanepoel as the new fire chief. This decision aims to restore stability within the department while resolving the issues stemming from recent allegations against former leaders.

Community Reaction

The public response to the arrest of Watson and Redd has been one of disappointment and concern. Community members have expressed their expectations for integrity and transparency from officials in leadership roles, particularly those in positions of public safety. Residents of Wagener are hoping for robust measures to ensure accountability and improve the department’s future operations.

Background Context

For decades, the Wagener Volunteer Fire Department has been a vital part of the community, providing essential emergency services. However, recent events have tarnished its reputation, leading to increased scrutiny. Mismanagement and alleged fraudulent activities have raised concerns about how taxpayer funds are being allocated, prompting investigations that led to the arrests of the former leaders.

As the situation continues to evolve, residents are looking to town officials to take decisive action to reform the fire department and rebuild trust with the community.

Main Points

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Former Wagener Fire Chiefs Arrested on Fraud Charges

Additional Resources

• WJBF: Two Former Wagener Fire Chiefs Arrested
• WRDW: Former Fire Chiefs Arrested
• The Augusta Press: Wagener Fire Chiefs Arrested
• Post and Courier: Arrest of Former Fire Chiefs
• WFXG: New Fire Chief Appointed
• Wikipedia: Fire Department
• Google Search: Wagener Fire Department scandal
• Google Scholar: Wagener Fire Department fraud
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Department
• Google News: Wagener Fire Department charges

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