Fort Mill Receives $4.2 Million FEMA Grant to Hire 15 New Firefighters and Open Third Fire Station

Fort Mill Secures Funding for New Firefighters

Fort Mill, S.C. — The Town of Fort Mill is set to enhance its firefighting capabilities with the addition of 15 new firefighters, following a significant grant awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The funding, amounting to $4,223,398, comes from the SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Grant program and will be utilized to cover salaries and benefits for the new hires over the next three years, beginning in March 2025.

Key Developments

This grant will not only fund new personnel but also facilitate the opening of a third fire station within the town. Fort Mill Fire Chief Chipper Wilkerson expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are incredibly grateful for the support from FEMA, and for Fort Mill Town Council’s willingness to apply for this competitive grant.” He emphasized that more firefighters would lead to quicker response times, improved safety for the residents, and better working conditions for the existing fire staff.

National and Regional Impact

Fort Mill’s fire department stands out as one of only 191 fire departments across the nation to receive such funding, and it is among six in South Carolina. The competitive nature of the grant application underscores the significant achievement of the Fort Mill Fire Department and the local government in securing this critical support. In total, FEMA has awarded a combined $360 million in SAFER grants this year.

The Purpose of SAFER Grants

The SAFER program is designed to provide financial assistance directly to fire departments. Its primary goals include increasing the number of firefighters, helping communities meet industry standards for fire protection, achieving 24-hour staffing, and fulfilling traditional fire service missions. The funding aligns with the increasing needs of Fort Mill’s growing population and infrastructure.

Community Support and Recognition

Mayor Guynn Savage praised the fire department’s success and stressed the importance of the grant in enhancing public safety. “This grant allows our Fire Department to expand upon the excellent standards that they set daily in protecting and helping the residents of Fort Mill,” said Mayor Savage. “We are very proud of their achievement and welcome this recognition of their success.”

Looking Ahead

With the new funding in place, the Fort Mill Fire Department is poised to make substantial improvements to its service delivery. The expansion of the workforce and the addition of a third fire station are expected to bolster emergency response capabilities. The community can look forward to enhanced safety measures as the fire department works to implement these changes over the coming years.

Citizens of Fort Mill can stay informed about developments related to this grant and other local issues through updates provided by the town’s administration and the Fort Mill Fire Department.