Caromi Fire Dept. gets almost $850K

The Caromi Fire Department in Ladson was one of several departments to benefit from nearly $850,000 in federal grant money across the state.

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham announced nearly $850,000 in grants to fire departments and rescue squads in Blacksburg, Calhoun Falls, Chesterfield, Conway, Gaffney, Greenwood, Honea Path, Ladson and Troy.

"Firefighters and emergency service personnel dedicate themselves to protecting the health and safety of South Carolinians," Graham said. "These grants will help our local fire departments and rescue squads by providing them the means to obtain the best equipment and training available."

Caromi Fire Department will receive a $38,000 operations and safety grant which can be used for training, wellness and fitness programs, the purchase of firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.

Grants also were awarded to stations in Blacksburg, Calhoun Falls, Chesterfield, Conway, Gaffney, Greenwood, Honea Path and Troy.

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 more than 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.