By Milana Doné
The Journal Times
WATERFORD, Wis. — The Village of Waterford Fire Department is one of eight Wisconsin volunteer departments to receive a grant through this year’s Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program.
One hundred fifty departments in 44 states received a $10,000 grant, including the eight departments in Wisconsin.
State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council have teamed up for the second year to support local volunteer fire departments with funding to secure needed equipment to help keep their responders safe and protect their communities.
According to the NVFC, volunteer firefighters make up 65% of the U.S. fire service, and communities across the country rely on volunteers to respond to emergencies of all kinds — from structure and wildland fires to vehicle crashes and medical emergencies to natural disasters and hazmat incidents.
Many of these small-town and rural fire departments operate with limited budgets, making it difficult to meet the rising costs of the equipment and gear they need to best serve their community. These grants are a way for local departments to obtain equipment that will increase safety, efficiency and effectiveness.
Grants can be used to purchase a variety of department necessities, including personal protective equipment, EMS and rescue tools, and communication devices.
“Firefighting and rescue equipment is expensive, and many departments struggle to find the funding they need,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch. “These grants from State Farm enable small departments to secure equipment they need to be better prepared to serve their communities and protect their responders.”
Other Wisconsin fire departments that received grants include Auburndale Joint Fire and Rescue Department, Highland Volunteer Fire Department ( Lake Nebagamon ), Mayville Fire Department, Minocqua Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, Monroe Rural Fire District, Nichols Rural Fire Department and Wiota Fire Department ( South Wayne ).
In addition to the 150 grants, State Farm provided complimentary NVFC memberships to 2,000 applicants to provide more responders with access to an array of benefits, including free training, support services and more.
The NVFC is the leading national nonprofit association serving the volunteer fire, emergency medical, and rescue services.
Since the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program launched in 2024, $2.5 million has been awarded to 250 local fire departments.
Find information about the grant program, including a list of departments receiving the grants, at www.nvfc.org/statefarm.
Looking to navigate the complexities of grants funding? Lexipol is your go-to resource for state-specific, fully developed grants services that can help fund your needs. Find out more about our grants services here.
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