Grant funding supports volunteer departments
State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) awarded $1.5 million in 2025 through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, providing $10,000 grants to 150 volunteer fire departments across the U.S.
The NVFC said the funding was used to buy equipment intended to help firefighters respond more safely and effectively to emergencies.
The programme launched in 2024 with $1 million in grants.
State Farm increased that amount to $1.5 million in 2025.
The first 2,000 applicants also received one-year NVFC memberships, giving them access to training, support and resources.
The NVFC said the 2026 programme will again provide $1.5 million in funding.
The application period will run from Monday, 4 May at noon Eastern to Thursday, 7 May at noon Eastern.
Eligible volunteer fire departments can apply for a $10,000 grant through the programme.
Equipment purchases improved response and safety
Departments used the grant for turnout gear, radios, hose, thermal imaging cameras, ventilation equipment and traffic control tools.
Wood River Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department in Nebraska bought three new sets of turnout gear after relying on gear that had lost its protective integrity.
Department secretary Lindsey Nielsen said: “Issuing new gear to firefighters conducting interior operations is essential to ensuring their safety and protecting their long-term health by reducing exposure to contaminants and chemicals.
“Newer gear also elevates the professionalism of the department and potentially aids retention and recruitment efforts.”
The Village of New Haven Fire Department in Illinois bought portable radios, flashlights and a 4-gas monitor.
Village Clerk Brittany Warren said: “This equipment significantly improved firefighter communication, accountability, scene visibility, and air monitoring capabilities.
“All items are now in active service and have enhanced operational efficiency, reduced safety risks, and strengthened protection for firefighters and the community during emergency responses.”
Stonewall Volunteer Fire Department in Mississippi used its funding for a thermal imaging camera and a battery-powered ventilation fan.
Training Officer Stephen Krajewski said: “During a recent structure fire, the TIC helped crews quickly locate the fire and hot spots, while the fan improved smoke clearance, making the scene safer.
“Firefighters report faster response and increased efficiency, and the community feels safer knowing we have this lifesaving equipment.”
Nichols Rural Fire Department in Wisconsin replaced old hose and added 300 feet to its large-diameter hose inventory.
Grant writer Kelly Seitz said: “The grant had immediate impact.
“Data collection revealed 10-15% of district homes are over 500 feet from the road, exposing a critical gap in fire suppression capability.
“The new hose eliminates the need to wait 15+ minutes for mutual aid, allowing NRFD to establish relay pumping within minutes.”
Creston Volunteer Fire Department in North Carolina used the grant to obtain electronic pagers and radios for volunteer members.
Chief Thomas Aycock said: “We received early snow and ice within our mountainous district that resulted in three working vehicle accidents almost simultaneously.
“The new pagers and radios enabled a quick and organized response from our firefighters and related equipment.
“Additionally, our department responded to a residential structure fire on December 6.
“The use of our new pagers resulted in a very adequate personnel response and quick extinguishment of the kitchen fire, saving the structure.”
Departments report training, rescue and patient care gains
Martinsburg Area Fire Protection District in Missouri said firefighters had previously needed to borrow gear for training.
Within a month of receiving new gear bought with the grant, firefighters added 42 hours of fire and medical training.
Carsonville Fire & Rescue in Minnesota bought two wall-mounted gear dryers.
Chief Chris Ayers said: “Allowing us to wash and dry our gear in 90% less time makes us ready faster than we have ever been [so we are] ready to respond to the next call for help.”
South Bristol Volunteer Fire Department in Maine bought orange cones, reflective safety vests, barricades and scene lighting for roadway incidents.
Fire Chief Allen Spinney said: “The grant funds significantly improved our ability to operate safely and efficiently at roadway incidents.
“New traffic control and visibility equipment has enhanced scene management, allowing us to establish safer work zones more quickly and be clearly seen by motorists.”
Spinney added: “A major success of this equipment purchase has been improved firefighter confidence and professionalism.
“Proper, modern gear has made members feel safer and better prepared at roadway incidents.”
Double Churches Volunteer Fire Department in Georgia used the grant for rescue equipment, batteries and scene lighting.
Assistant Chief Matthew Franks said: “Scene lighting and a battery-powered reciprocating saw were essential in extricating a patient in critical condition.
“The instant startup of battery-powered tools eliminated delays associated with gas powered generators, allowing firefighters to rapidly transfer the patient to EMS and likely saving their life.”
Whitesboro Fire Department in Texas used the grant to buy two stair chairs for medical emergencies.
Captain Josh Velten said: “They are back savers for our crews as they allow for easier lifting and rolling where in the past there would have been a lot of manual lifting involved.”
The 2026 round will continue the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program with the same overall funding level and the same individual grant value.