Chief Bonds was born and raised in Ridgeland. Chief Bonds graduated from Thomas Heyward Academy in 2004 and started the Cadet program at Ridgeland Fire Department at age 15. Chief Bonds began working full time at Ridgeland Fire Department in 2005 and held several positions until becoming Chief In February of 2016. Chief Bonds is currently working on his Bachelor's degree from Liberty University. Chief Bonds is Married to Amanda and they have two children, Walker and Daniel. Chief Bonds can be reached by email at: bbonds[at]ridgelandsc.gov or by cell at: 843-247-0308.
Assistant Fire Chief Brian Cleland started his fire service career as a volunteer firefighter with the Ridgeland Fire Department in 1990, In 1994 he was hired as an EMT with Beaufort County EMS, and then in 1995 he was hired as a Firefighter with the Bluffton Township Fire District where he worked his way up to the Rank of Captain before leaving in December of 2022 to return home to the Ridgeland Fire Department. Over the span of his career, assistant Chief Cleland was awarded several commendations for his performance on emergency scenes, he has also served on several technical review committees within the state and nationally for auto extrication, as well as Emergency Communications. He served as a subject matter expert for the 4th and 5th edition IFSTA Principals of Vehicle Extrication as well as the 1st Edition of IFSTA Heavy Vehicle extrication textbooks. Assistant Chief Cleland lives in Ridgeland with his Wife Charity and three Children, Bethany, Laura, and Andrew. Assistant Chief Cleland can be reached by email at: bcleland[at]ridgelandsc.gov..
