(Washington, DC) - Sixth District Congressman James E. Clyburn announced today the Lake City Fire Department has been awarded a $90,879 grant by the U.S. Fire Administration as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  These federal funds will be used to support fire operations and firefighter safety.

“I’m extremely pleased that the Lake City Fire Department has sought federal funds as a means of continuing its excellence in public safety and protection,” Congressman Clyburn said. “This department has led by example in showing that rural areas can be successful in improving their safety procedures.”

Over the past few months, Congressman Clyburn has announced similar federal grants for local departments in cities and towns like Kingstree, Pamplico, Orangeburg and Summerton. In all, Sixth District fire departments received more than $1 million in federal support in 2003. Congressman Clyburn has been a proponent of the program since its creation in 2001.

Grants like the one awarded Thursday are given on a competitive basis to urban, suburban and rural departments across the country. Departments must show, among other qualities, a need for the use of the training or equipment and a financial incapacity to acquire it on its own.

#     #     #