Charleston, SC, Oct 4 -  

Congressman Henry E. Brown, Jr. (R-SC) today announced that four communities will receive firefighting grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to enhance their abilities to respond to emergencies.

“I am pleased that these rural fire departments have been awarded these grants,” said Brown. “The funds will directly improve emergency response efforts in the communities served by these departments.”

Whitesville Rural Volunteer Fire Department will receive $42,180 under the Operations and Safety category. Chief Timothy Stephenson explained that the grant will be used to purchase mobile radios, structural protective gear, and wild land protective gear.

Moncks Corner Rural Fire Department is set to get $109,944 under the Vehicle Acquisition category. Jimmy Townsend, confirmed that the grant will be used toward purchase of a new truck for the department.

Lebanon Fire Department’s grant of $191,900 was also awarded through the Vehicle Acquisition category. Lebanon’s Horace Sweatman said they will use these funds for a new fire truck.

Nichols Volunteer Fire Department will receive $177,650 under the Vehicle Acquisition category. Chief Joe Graham expressed his appreciation for this funding.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is administered by the Department’s Office for Domestic Preparedness in cooperation with the United States Fire Administration. The program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments and emergency medical services providers throughout the United States. Funds are used by the nation’s firefighters to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, new fire apparatus, Emergency Medical Service programs, and fire prevention and safety programs.