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

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) announced today the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded the Lee County Fire Department in Bishopville a $34,938 grant for fire prevention programs. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant can be used for public education and awareness activities, fire codes enforcement activities, fire inspector certifications, the purchase and installation of smoke alarms and fire suppression systems, wildland fire mitigation, and arson prevention and detection activities. “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 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. ####