News Release

Captains BJ Ferguson and Lee Jenkins to Lead Community Outreach and Recruitment for Town Fire Rescue Department

July 18, 2023

The Town of Hilton Head Island is thrilled to announce the strategic reassignment of two distinguished community mentors within its Fire Rescue Department, Fire Captains BJ Ferguson and Lee Jenkins.

Both captains will move from line operations to working within Fire Rescue Administration, where they will develop and administer the newly formed Community Outreach and Recruitment Division. This division will help Fire Rescue realize its vision to foster a closer relationship with Hilton Head Island residents and nurture an environment of safety, inclusivity, and shared responsibility.

"We are enthusiastic about the future of this new division under the capable leadership of Captains Ferguson and Jenkins. Their passion and dedication have been pivotal to our organization, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact they will continue to have in their new roles," said Fire Chief Chris Blankenship.

Captains Ferguson and Jenkins, born and raised on Hilton Head Island, are dedicated to community engagement, safety, and local talent recruitment. In their new roles, they will spearhead many initiatives within the new division designed to amplify Fire Rescue's presence within the community. They will actively engage in public events, establish mentoring programs, and oversee part-time high school students and high school and college interns associated with Fire Rescue.

This exciting development aligns with Fire Rescue's 2019-2024 Strategic Plan, which includes an ambitious goal of augmenting community outreach and stepping up local recruitment efforts. In response to this plan, the department formed two internal committees to lay the groundwork for achieving these objectives. Throughout this process, Captains Ferguson and Jenkins demonstrated their unwavering commitment and instrumental contributions toward creating these objectives. They can now apply their wealth of experience and innovative ideas daily, driving the successful implementation of these crucial initiatives.

Meet Captain Ferguson

BJ's passion for serving the community shines as a mentor and role model in his personal and work life. He began his career as a firefighter with Fire Rescue in January 2002 and moved up the ranks to senior firefighter seven years later. By 2014, he achieved the position of lieutenant, followed by a promotion to fire captain in 2021. He is also a certified paramedic, enhancing his crucial role in our community's safety. Outside of service, BJ devotes his time to his family and coaching Island youth in various sports through Island Rec Association. "I love giving back to the community and preparing the next generation of young people to be successful wherever their paths lead them," BJ said. "Serving in this new role and division will allow me to reach further into the community to provide services."

Meet Captain Jenkins

Lee began his journey as a firefighter in March 2006. Four years later, he was promoted to senior firefighter. He excelled to lieutenant in 2014 and fire captain in 2018. In recognition of his outstanding contributions and performance, Lee was honored as the Officer of the Year in 2020. He is also a trained paramedic, showcasing his dedication to fire rescue and emergency medical services. When off-duty, Lee engages in a different kind of leadership, excelling as a renowned horse breeder and a respected American Quarter Horse Association's Racing Committee member. He continually seeks to learn from leading figures in the industry. This relentless quest for knowledge, combined with his dedication to service, symbolizes Lee's commitment to excellence in all that he does. "I'm excited to be a part of this new division, where I can share my experiences and engage with others in the community I grew up. I love what I do, and I hope to stir that same passion for serving others among those I interact with," Lee said. 

To learn more about Fire Rescue services, visit  hiltonheadislandsc.gov/firerescue/, and for further information on the Community Outreach and Recruitment Division, contact Captain Ferguson or Captain Jenkins at 843-682-5100.