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

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced more than $700,000 in grants to fire departments in Bamberg, Blacksburg, Little Mountain, Newberry, Nichols, Pendleton, Reidville, St. Matthews and Union. “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. Bamberg Bamberg Fire Department will receive $129,848. Blacksburg Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department will receive $55,215. Little Mountain Little Mountain Fire Department will receive $53,236. Newberry Friendly Fire Department will receive $24,750. Nichols Nichols Volunteer Fire Department will receive $91,665. Pendleton Sandy Springs Fire Department will receive $80,910. Reidville Reidville Area Fire District will receive $162,000. St. Matthews St. Matthews Fire Department will receive $66,015. Union Bonham Fire Department will receive $64,508. 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. ####