Beaufort, NC – Duke Energy Foundation has awarded the Town of Beaufort Fire Department a $25,000 grant to support its preparations for this year's storm season. This grant will significantly enhance the Town of Beaufort’s emergency response capabilities through specialized training and equipment.
As part of this initiative, the Town will host an on-site Water Rescue and Boat Handling class for all public safety personnel. This training will provide critical skills for responding to water-related emergencies within Beaufort and its surrounding waterways.
In addition, eleven Beaufort Fire Department members will attend a Swift Water Vehicle Rescue course at Fayetteville Technical Community College, which features a state-of-the-art indoor swift water rescue training facility.
The grant will also fund the purchase of a thermal imaging-capable drone along with pilot training. This drone will enable first responders to gain immediate visual insight during water rescues, allowing for rapid situational awareness and improved coordination. The drone is designed to be deployed within minutes of a call, making it a valuable tool in time-sensitive emergencies.
To further enhance water rescue readiness, the Fire Department will also acquire two specialized rescue paddleboards. These boards are designed to reach areas inaccessible by traditional rescue boats and are equipped with rescue handles to assist in safely retrieving victims.
These training opportunities and new tools are essential in preparing the Town’s public safety teams to respond effectively to a wide range of emergencies. Swift water rescue training is increasingly critical in today’s environment, where hurricanes and torrential rains can create dangerous flood conditions in communities like Beaufort.
This investment ensures that Beaufort’s first responders remain at the forefront of emergency preparedness and can continue to serve and protect the community with skill and confidence.
“The support from the Duke Energy Foundation is a vital investment in the safety of our community,” said Beaufort Fire Chief Tony Ray. “This grant allows us to provide essential training and equipment for our firefighters, ensuring we’re better prepared to respond to emergencies and protect the lives and property of Beaufort’s residents, especially during natural disasters.”
This grant is part of Duke Energy’s ongoing commitment to helping communities build strong emergency response networks and equip themselves with the resources they need to be prepared for storm season.
“Last storm season underscored the resilience of our North Carolina communities. Proactive collaboration with local emergency response organizations is necessary to ensure that communities are prepared to maintain that resilience," said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy's North Carolina president. "We are committed to helping equip our growing state with the tools necessary to stay safe during the upcoming storm season.”
“The Town of Beaufort deeply values the strong and ongoing partnership we share with Duke Energy,” said Mayor Sharon Harker. “Their commitment to our community, particularly in emergency preparedness and hurricane readiness, is not only appreciated — it’s essential. By working closely together before, during, and after severe weather events, we’re able to strengthen our response plans, coordinate resources more effectively, and ensure that critical information and support reach our residents when they need it most. This collaboration plays a vital role in helping us build a more resilient Beaufort.”
Duke Energy Foundation has supported more than 100 local emergency response organizations during the past five years with more than $1.8 million in grant funding to advance storm preparedness in North Carolina.
For more information on Duke Energy Foundation and its initiatives, visit duke-energy.com/Foundation.