BLUFFTON, S.C. (WCIV) – After 25 years, Bluffton Township Fire District will see the retirement of Battalion Chief Derek Franks. Joining the Bluffton Township Fire District in August 1999, he quickly rose into a position of leadership. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2008. That was followed by a promotion to captain (2012), station captain (2014), and finally battalion chief (2019).