Wes Hickman or Kevin Bish

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced more than $645,000 in grants to fire departments in Beech Island, Greenville, Greenwood, Lancaster, Port Royal, Rock Hill, Seneca, and Wallace. “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. Beech Island Beech Island Fire Department will receive $60,588. Greenville Greenville City Fire Department will receive $348,874. Greenwood Greenwood Fire Department will receive $110,210. Lancaster Lancaster Fire Department will receive $54,837. Port Royal Town of Port Royal Fire Department will receive $144,306. Rock Hill Rock Hill Fire Department will receive $140,356. Seneca Corinth-Shiloh Volunteer Fire Department will receive $206,643. Wallace Wallace Fire Department will receive $52,465. 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. ####