New fire fighters recruited by Oconee

A federal grant awarded to the South Carolina State Firefighters Association is enabling Oconee County to attract volunteers willing to answer the call of a siren to help their community in times of need. Oconee, Newberry and Dorchester are three South Carolina counties benefiting from a $1.5 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the Adequate Fire Management Response Program. So far, that grant has helped attract an additional 20 volunteers. Chief Charlie King said, “We aren’t just looking for active fire fighters anymore. We try to match the skills and interests of our volunteers to the needs and functionality of the department. For example, the department has recruited several people to assist in administrative work, medical response, promotional and awareness campaigns and assisting in organization of community events….”