Emails: Former Horry County fire chief wasn’t preparing to retire

Fred Crosby had no plans to step down as Horry County Fire Rescue chief as recently as a day before he turned in his retirement notice, according to emails obtained by The Sun News.

Even when he sent that notice on May 12, Crosby asked County Administrator Chris Eldridge if he could leave in December. Then he requested July 1. His last day was May 29.

Why Crosby wasn’t allowed to stay longer remains unclear. Through a spokeswoman, Eldridge declined to comment. Crosby could not be reached.

Lisa Bourcier, the county’s public information officer, said the emails were released in compliance with the state’s open records law, but she wouldn’t elaborate on their contents because Horry officials typically don’t discuss personnel matters.