Wes Hickman (202 224-5972) and Kevin Bishop (864 250-1417)

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced more than $500,000 in grants to fire departments in Bath, Gaffney, Lake City, Laurens, Montmorenci, Piedmont, Ridge Spring, Spartanburg, Surfside Beach, and Whitmire. “Firefighters risk their lives to protect others, and they deserve the best equipment and training available,” said Graham. “Firefighters are some of the heroes in our midst.” The Assistance to Firefighters Grants will help the fire departments improve their training, wellness and fitness programs; purchase new firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment; and, make modifications to fire stations and facilities. Bath Bath Fire Department will receive $22,008. Gaffney Corinth Volunteer Fire Department will receive $78,750. Lake City South Lynches Fire Department will receive $121,301. Laurens Laurens City Fire Department will receive $31,518. Montmorenci Montmorenci Volunteer Fire Department will receive $44,988. Piedmont Powdersville Fire Department will receive $40,428. Surfside Beach Surfside Beach Fire Department will receive $41,934. Whitmire Whitmire Fire Department will receive $83,690. Graham noted the grants to Ridge Spring and Spartanburg will be used for different fire programs. Ridge Spring Ridge Spring Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $54,900 grant to assist with the purchase of a new fire fighting vehicle. Spartanburg The Spartanburg Public Safety Department will receive a $54,658 grant for fire prevention programs including public education and awareness activities, fire code enforcement, fire inspector certifications, purchase and installation of smoke alarms and fire suppression systems, wildland fire mitigation, and arson prevention and detection activities. The Assistance to Firefighters grant program awards one-year grants directly to local fire departments, enhancing their ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in the community. The program supports departments by providing them the tools and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and their firefighting personnel. Grantees share in the cost of the funded project at a percentage based on the population of their respective jurisdiction. Grantees that serve jurisdictions of 50,000 or fewer residents are required to provide a non-Federal cost-share of 10 percent while grantees that serve jurisdictions of over 50,000 provide a 30 percent cost-share. The match must be in cash without the use of in-kind contributions. In addition, the maximum amount of federal funds that an applicant can be awarded is $750,000 during any fiscal year. The grants are made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. ####