SCDems News
Democrats thank fire departments for help with elections
June 23, 2008
ABBEVILLE -- The Democratic Party of Abbeville threw a Fish Fry Appreciation dinner Thursday in honor of the five rural volunteer fire departments that let their stations be used as precincts.
"We have to rely on the goodness of our volunteer fire departments, because they have the handicap-accessible facilities we need to use for voting," county chairwoman Remle Johnson said. "Five of the places that make our election process possible are volunteer rural fire departments: Sharon, Cold Springs, Antreville, Keowee and Turkey Creek.
"One of the greatest things in our country is our ability and freedom to cast a vote. And those people that make it possible deserve thanks and recognition."
The Democratic Party also gave donations to each department.
"They mow the grass and clean the place until it is spotless," Johnson said. "They make it a very nice place to vote."
Fire Marshal Dan Evatt told guests that Abbeville fire departments have received a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant of $134,253. It is the Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters grant, which is a big start to the ultimate funding goal.
"Last year we were able to get $1 million in grants," Evatt said. "Our goal this year is another $1 million in grants, which will put us at receiving $4 million in five years."
But grants don't come easily.
"You have to have a Babe Ruth state of mind," Evatt said. "The secret to writing a grant is reading the program guides, they put out and reading what they're funding and what they want.
"We are successful about 25 percent of the time. I've written 21 grants, and I am expecting seven to come through."
Evatt also said he has a team of people who edit his grant proposal.
"You would be surprised at what I leave out," Evatt said. "Even what I don't compose completely, they catch it."
Democratic Party volunteers cooked fish and fries, set up condiments and made side dishes to show their gratitude to the fire departments.
"It's all in thanks to them making our election process possible," Johnson said. "The members of the Democratic Party just thought it would be nice to show them how much we appreciate their help."
The Index-Journal
