Sumter hardware store outfits the National Guard for Florence
From left, Simpson Hardware employee Trey McLeod talks on Friday afternoon at the store with S.C. National Guard Staff Sgt. Michael King and Lt. Col. Adrian Priester.
The commander on duty for the Sumter operations center of the S.C. National Guard and an assistant were seen shopping in the shoe section at Simpson Hardware on Friday afternoon.
Lt. Col. Adrian Priester and Staff Sgt. Michael King weren't shopping for the latest pair of Nike's for strength training exercises, however. Instead, it was for rubber, waterproof boots - 50 pairs for soldiers coming into the area to help with relief efforts associated with Hurricane Florence.
Priester said in military terms this was a "local purchase" to outfit the soldiers for inclement weather operations.
S.C. National Guard units across the state plan to assist local law enforcement groups and fill in needed gaps with support in the event of heavy storms with Florence this weekend, according to Priester.