06/17/2026
⸻
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cleveland Rural Fire Department Enhances Firefighter Safety and Operational Readiness Through V-SAFE Grant Funding
WESTMINSTER, S.C. — Cleveland Rural Fire Department is proud to announce the successful completion of several equipment and facility improvements made possible through funding received from South Carolina’s Volunteer Strategic Assistance and Fire Equipment (V-SAFE) Program.
Established by the South Carolina General Assembly, the V-SAFE Program provides critical funding to volunteer and combination fire departments across the state to improve firefighter safety, operational readiness, and emergency response capabilities.
For the 2026 funding cycle, the V-SAFE Program distributed $5,586,000 to 380 volunteer and combination fire departments across South Carolina’s 44 counties. Eligible departments received equal funding allocations of $14,700 to support essential operational needs, including protective equipment, fire suppression tools, communications equipment, rescue equipment, and training.
“V-SAFE ensures South Carolina’s volunteer and combination fire departments have the equipment and resources they need to operate safely and effectively,” said South Carolina State Fire Marshal Jonathan Jones. “This program represents a continued commitment to firefighter safety, operational readiness, and the ability of these departments to serve their communities with confidence.”
Through this funding, Cleveland Rural Fire Department was able to make several important investments that directly enhance its ability to protect lives and property throughout the community.
The department upgraded its firefighting capabilities through the purchase of HEN nozzles, which are designed to deliver increased water flow while operating at lower pressures. This technology improves fire suppression effectiveness while helping reduce firefighter fatigue during emergency operations.
Funding also provided for the purchase of a new set of structural firefighting turnout gear, replacing equipment that had reached the end of its National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommended 10-year service life. This investment ensures firefighters continue to have safe and reliable personal protective equipment while responding to emergencies.
In addition, the department improved its office and workspace areas, creating a more functional environment for training, report preparation, administrative tasks, and daily operations. These enhancements provide members with a more efficient and professional workspace to support the department’s mission.
The grant further funded the purchase of fourteen new sections of 3-inch and 1¾-inch fire hose, ensuring the department maintains adequate replacement hose when frontline hose becomes damaged, heavily used, or reaches the end of its service life.
“We are grateful for the continued support provided through the V-SAFE Program,” said Chief Travis Collins. “These investments directly improve firefighter safety, strengthen our operational capabilities, and help ensure we remain prepared to serve our community whenever called upon.”
The department would also like to recognize Chris Howard of AEST, Misty Hardy of Kimbrell’s Furniture, Treasurer Doug Moore, Secretary Sawyer Gambrell, and Chief Travis Collins for their dedication in researching equipment options, securing competitive pricing, and ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
Cleveland Rural Fire Department extends its sincere appreciation to the citizens of the community for their continued support and trust. Their encouragement makes it possible for the department to continue improving services and providing professional emergency response to the residents and visitors of the Cleveland community.
For additional information about the South Carolina V-SAFE Program, visit:
https://statefire.llr.sc.gov/osfm/vsafe.aspx
Media Contact
Travis Collins-Chief
Sawyer Gambrell-Secretary
Cleveland Rural Fire Department – Station 10
684 Cleveland Pike Road
Westminster, South Carolina 29693
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