The Town of Surfside Beach officially split its fire and police departments with a unanimous vote at a meeting Tuesday night.

A few months ago, the town fired its public safety director and said it was going to separate the two departments to save money.

Andy Christensen, the former public safety director, has since sued the town.

The town says splitting police and fire will save about $100,000.

There is an interim police chief while the search for a full-time chief continues.