Duke Energy recently awarded Lugoff Fire-Rescue (LF-R) with a $17,500 grant for chainsaws and personal protective equipment (PPE). The grant, submitted by Battalion Chief Chris Jones, will allow LF-R to obtain up to 11 chainsaws and 11 sets of personal protective equipment. These items will help LF-R provide better response and recovery during weather related disasters.
From a late afternoon thunderstorm to a large hurricane, LF-R will now be better equipped to assist our area partners from South Carolina Department of Transportation and Kershaw County Public works, ensuring our roadways are safe and clear. The equipment also has other uses during emergencies including fires, roadway incidents, and more. Standardization of chainsaws will help LF-R reduce maintenance costs by being able to stock standard parts for continued support of the chainsaws. Training will be enhanced and shortened because of faster familiarization with equipment.
Awarded under Duke Energy’s Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) grant program, LF-R was one of 38 nonprofits and government agencies across South Carolina that competitively sought after a total of $500,000 of funding this year. Grants were capped at a maximum request of $20,000. “Thank you to Duke Energy for your continued support of Lugoff Fire Department in obtaining the equipment we need to serve the community” said Fire Chief Chris Spitzer.