Myrtle Beach seeking federal help to hire more firefighters
MYTRLE BEACH, S.C (WBTW) — Myrtle Beach is applying for nearly $1.5 million in federal aid to hire six firefighters as demand for services grow.
The city council on Tuesday approved an application for funding through the Federal Emergency Management Administration’s “SAFER” program.
If successful, the city’s fire department will have six months to recruit, hire and fill the positions.
The extra manpower would allow for four-person engine companies on more responses — a standard within the industry.
“Having a four-person engine company is a huge benefit to the community. It’s a benefit to our firefighters,” Chief Tom Gwyer said. “Just adding that one person, going from three to four, there’s plenty of studies that show how quicker work gets done.
Gwyer said officials should know by the fall whether the grant is coming through.
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Gracie is a multimedia journalist at News 13 and is from Cleveland, Ohio. Gracie joined the team in June 2023 after graduating from the University of Alabama in May. Follow Gracie on Facebook, Instagram and X, formerly Twitter, & read more of her work here.
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