Grant awarded to Chester County Fire Department

CHESTER COUNTY, Tenn. — One local fire department is the recipient of a big award, and it’s all thanks to the community.

“We couldn’t have done it without them,” said Chester County Fire Chief Stephen Moore.

The Chester County community has rallied together in support of the men and women that serve them daily.

The fire department is a recipient of the Tennessee Community Development Block Grant, but they say it’s all thanks to local residents.

“We were awarded $425,000,” Chief Moore said. “It’s a matching grant, which means that we’re responsible for 18% of that, so the total amount would be $512,000.”

Chief Moore says community members filled out surveys, including their income, household size, etc.

“We asked our community members to come in and fill out the surveys, which they did,” he said. “And I think the total was around 600.”

And this couldn’t have come at a better time, as Chief Moore says several of their trucks are in dire need of upgrades.

“Some of the trucks we have now have failed on us responding to calls, while we were at calls.”

With the grant money, the fire department plans to purchase a new fire truck. This new equipment will better help the men and women serve county residents.

“This is their grant. This is their money, and we’re very grateful for it,” Chief Moore said.

The CDBG program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

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