Press Releases

Congressman Fry Secures Federal Funding for Cheraw Fire Station and Lake View Police Department

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) today announced that $2.65 million in federal funding has been secured for two critical public safety projects in South Carolina’s Seventh Congressional District — including $2,487,375 million for the Cheraw Fire Station Replacement Project and $150,000 for upgrades to the Lake View Police Department.

The Cheraw Fire Station Replacement Project will receive around $2.5 million to design and construct a modern, fully equipped fire station to serve the Town of Cheraw and the surrounding area. The new facility will expand emergency response capabilities within a five-mile service radius — home to more than 3,500 manufacturing workers — and will include properly sized bays, live fire training space, and accommodations for female firefighters.

The Lake View Police Department Upgrades Project will receive $150,000 to renovate and modernize the department’s facility, which currently faces significant safety concerns, including water damage, mold, and deteriorating infrastructure. The upgrades will include roof replacement, mold mitigation, new steel security doors, evidence room improvements, and installation of safety/privacy glass in the public lobby — ensuring officers can operate safely and professionally while protecting the community.

“These investments in Cheraw and Lake View will ensure our first responders have the tools and resources they need to serve the Seventh District of South Carolina,” said Congressman Fry. “Strengthening public safety will always be one of my top priorities, and I’ll always back the men and women who risk their lives to keep the Seventh District safe.”

“Improved public safety continues to be one of my top priorities and is a primary responsibility of any local government,” said Cheraw Mayor David Byrd. “This funding will help ensure that Cheraw can continue to provide top notch fire response for the Town and our surrounding industrial job creators. We greatly appreciate Congressman Fry’s work delivering this for us.”

“This critical funding will help to replace our current outdated and undersized fire station and will help to ensure we can meet the growing needs of our community,” said Cheraw Fire Chief Marvin Murray. “Moving forward with this project will allow us to accommodate the equipment and training we need and will greatly benefit the Cheraw area for many years.”

“We are deeply grateful to Congressman Fry for his commitment and support in securing the funding needed to restore and renovate our Lake View Police Department,” said Lake View Mayor David Suggs. “This investment not only strengthens our public safety but also reaffirms the value of partnership between local and federal leadership. Our officers will soon return to a facility they can once again take pride in. I would also like to commend our Municipal Clerk & Treasurer, Amanda Garris, whose professionalism and eloquent preparation of the funding request were instrumental in helping this project come to implementation.”

“On behalf of the entire Lake View Police Department, I extend my deepest gratitude to Congressman Fry for securing the funding to repair and renovate our police headquarters,” said Lake View Police Chief James Smith. “After being displaced for the past two years, this support means more than just a building — it restores our foundation, our morale, and our ability to better serve and protect the Community we’re proud to call home.”

The funding was secured as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 federal appropriations process. It was included in FY2026 Agriculture Appropriations Act — part of the Continuing Resolution — which passed the House on November 12th, 2025 and was then signed into law by President Trump.