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

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced $1.2 million in grants to fire departments in Abbeville, Anderson, Belvedere, Blacksburg, Calhoun Falls, Lancaster, Orangeburg, Ridgeville, Rowesville, Spartanburg, Union, Williamston, and Williston. “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 grants are awarded in one of two program areas:

• Firefighting Operations and Firefighter Safety Program: The funds may be used for training, wellness, and fitness programs; the purchase of firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment; and modifications to fire stations and facilities.
• Firefighting Vehicle Acquisition Program: The funds may be used for the purchase of firefighting vehicles including pumpers, brush trucks, tankers, rescue vehicles, ambulances, quints, aerials, foam units, and fireboats.

Abbeville Sharon Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $56,875 grant for firefighter operations and safety. Anderson Zion Fire Department will receive a $64,538 grant for firefighter operations and safety. Belvedere Belvedere Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $63,503 grant for firefighter operations and safety. Blacksburg Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $46,742 grant for firefighter operations and safety. Calhoun Falls Calhoun Falls Fire Department will receive a $71,977 grant for firefighter operations and safety. Lancaster Camp Creek Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $130,500 grant for a firefighting vehicle. Orangeburg Four Holes Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $84,611 grant for firefighter operations and safety. Ridgeville Ridgeville Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $68,055 grant for firefighter operations and safety. Rowesville Rowesville Fire Department will receive a $196,629 grant for firefighter operations and safety. Spartanburg Whitney Area Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $68,877 grant for firefighter operations and safety. Union Cross Keys Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $133,200 grant for a firefighting vehicle. Williamston Williamston Fire Department will receive a $64,844 grant for firefighter operations and safety. Williston The town of Williston will receive a $158,280 grant for a firefighting vehicle. 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. Grant funds to local fire departments will come from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. ####