KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — The Kershaw County Fire Service is gearing up to enhance safety for residents on the water.
Duke Energy provided a $19,000 grant to help the fire service purchase a boat, motor, and trailer.
The boat that will soon be purchased will join the fleet of two other boats the county currently has servicing the region.
"It helps with calls on the lake, river, ponds, and flood waters within the county's territories," Kershaw County Will Glover said. "It also allows us to reach people in times of need, in flood waters and things that we wouldn't be able to do right now."
The Fire Service hopes this helps them reduce response times to other calls.
"Part of our response area is Wateree River, along with other agencies within the county, we cover that and this will increase our response capability."
As for the type of calls, they receive Glover said it varies. "Sometimes just kayakers, every once in a while it's a boat accident they hit something they don't know what's in the river, this will help aid in those rescues."
The Fire Service has no official date for when the boat will be purchased or in service, but they hope to have it soon.