For Immediate Release
June 9, 2025
Westminster, SC — The City of Westminster is proud to announce it has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation’s Hometown Emergency Resilience Operations (HERO) program. The funds will be used to purchase new chainsaws and pole saws to support the City’s ongoing efforts in storm response, recovery, and public safety operations.
Westminster is one of 38 South Carolina organizations selected through a highly competitive grant process. The HERO grants, totaling $500,000 statewide, are designed to strengthen community emergency preparedness and disaster response capabilities.
“We are grateful to have been chosen as a recipient of these grant funds. They will allow us to add more lifesaving equipment to our toolbox to better serve the citizens of our community and save lives” said Westminster Fire Chief Micheal Smith. “We’re grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for investing in our emergency response.”
The Duke Energy Foundation’s support helps ensure communities like Westminster are better prepared and more resilient in the face of severe weather and other emergencies. This investment aligns with the City’s commitment to improving public safety and infrastructure responsiveness.
To learn more about the HERO grant program and other recipients, visit:
https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-supports-first-responders-with-500-000-in-grants-for-emergency-preparedness-in-south-carolina-6910827
About the Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation contributes more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts, with a focus on vibrant economies, climate resiliency, justice, equity, and inclusion.
***
A downloadable version of this press release can be found at: https://westminstersc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-June-9-Duke-Fire-Grant.pdf
