Three local volunteer emergency departments have received more than $200,000 in federal funds to help purchase new equipment.

The largest funding went to the Pomaria Rescue Squad, which received $123,500 for the purchase of a new ambulance. The grant totalling $130,000 comes from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant, which is a federal grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“This grant was awarded to the squad for the purpose of replacing its current ambulance,“ according to Chief Barry Richardson. “The award provides federal funding in the amount of $123,500 and requires $6,500 in local matching funds.“

The Silverstreet Fire Department has received a total grant of $83,895 with $79,701 in federal funds to purchase protective gear for its firefighters.

Chappells Fire Department has received notification that it was awarded $19,806.00 and a match from the county the grant will total $20,848.00.

County Council must vote to spend just over $5,000 to match the $100,000 in grants for the Silverstreet and Chappells fire department grants and $6,500 for the Pomaria ambulance.

Chappells Assistant Chief G.W. Berry said the funds for his department will be used to purchase new hose to replace all hose on the departments two fire engines.

The hose will be colored and loaded on the trucks so that both rigs will be in compliance with NFPA’s (National Fire Protection Association) recommendation.

The color-coded hoses help firefighters know which hoses need to be charged and which ones turned off.

“We would like to thank everyone for the support that this department is given. We would also like to thank the Newberry County Council and all of our state representatives that work to try to make sure that we have the tools that we need to perform our jobs safely and proffessionally and to better serve the citizens in their time of need,“ said Berry.

The grants are awarded in rounds and the Bush River Fire Department still has a grant pending for $40,000 which will allow it to purchase new hoses.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $1,145,683 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program to local fire departments and emergency responders in the state of South Carolina so far in the grant process.

“For the thousands of men and women who risk life and limb as first responders, these fire grants provide essential support so they can carry out their mission,“ said FEMA Regional Administrator Phil May.

The grants enable local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles.

These grant programs are administered cooperatively by two FEMA components: the Grant Programs Directorate and the United States Fire Administration.