Raleigh – Graham County Fire and Rescue was recently awarded a grant in the amount of $28,694.67 from the office of the state fire marshal.
State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor said in a May 15 press release that the grant was through the 2025 Volunteer Fire Grant Fund.
"Fire and rescue organizations protect our communities large and small across North Carolina, but sometimes their budgets don't grow with their responsibilities," Taylor said. "Our emergency service personnel should be supported with the best equipment and supplies needed to do their jobs correctly and safely."
A check was mailed to Graham County Fire Chief Jeff Millsaps and was used to purchase needed equipment: 16 sets of turnout gear and 10 radios.
"I know the Graham County Volunteer Fire Department will use this money to serve their community even better," said Taylor. "Thank you, Chief Jeff Millsaps, for all of your hard work and thanks to your dedicated staff."
Equipment purchased with the funds must be bought with matching funds and approved by the office of the state fire marshal. Rural fire and rescue units across North Carolina often must operate on meager budgets and need assistance, especially when purchasing a new fire engine or ambulance.
Graham County Fire and Rescue units have received a total of $431,472.84 from the Volunteer Fire Department Fund since the program began in 1988.
According to the May 15 release, the General Assembly launched the initiative to help volunteer units raise money for equipment and supplies.
The Office of State Fire Marshal has issued $190,325,067.78 in grants across the state since the 1988 launch.
Publisher/editor Kevin Hensley also contributed to this report.