Announcement comes just in time for Fire
Prevention Week, October 6-12
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Volunteer fire departments play a critical role in
the protection of communities across the country, especially small
towns and rural areas. In fact, over 65% of all firefighters in the
U.S. are volunteers, devoting their time and risking their safety
to help their neighbors in need. Yet many local departments operate
on tight budgets and struggle to find the funding for needed
equipment that can help increase their responders' safety,
effectiveness and ability to serve at their best.
100 volunteer fire departments will receive
a $10,000 grant to purchase needed
equipment.
Recognizing this significant need, State Farm® teamed
up with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) – the leading
nonprofit association representing the volunteer fire, EMS, and
rescue services – to help volunteer fire departments. Through the
State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, $1 million has been awarded in 2024 to fund
critical fire department equipment.
In total, 100 local volunteer fire departments across the U.S.
have been selected to receive a $10,000 grant. These grants will go to purchase
equipment that will enhance safety, communications and operations
for volunteer fire departments.
The announcement comes just in time for Fire Prevention Week,
October 6-12, when local departments
are highlighting fire prevention and risk reduction actions in
their communities through open houses and public education
programs.
"Our nation's volunteer firefighters selflessly give back to
their communities every day, responding to emergencies ranging from
fires and emergency medical incidents to vehicle crashes, natural
disasters, hazardous materials spills and many more," said NVFC
Chair Steve Hirsch. "Many of these
departments operate on a shoe-string budget, making it difficult to
obtain the resources they need. We are thrilled that State Farm has
stepped up to address this need, and we are proud to collaborate
with them to get funding to these local departments so they can be
better prepared to serve their communities and protect their
responders."
In addition to the grants, State Farm also provided NVFC
memberships to all the applicants so they can access additional
tools and resources to help them thrive. This includes access to
free training, a First Responder Helpline and many other
benefits.
"At State Farm part of our mission is to help people manage the
risks of everyday life. We are committed to helping build safer,
stronger, better educated communities," said Apsara Sorensen, State Farm corporate
responsibility assistant vice president. "We are proud to support
the safety of volunteer firefighters – the ultimate good neighbors
who risk their lives each and every day."
State Farm and the NVFC are also celebrating the grants by
joining 10 of the fire department recipients at their community
open house or local fire prevention event throughout the fall.
Information about the grant program, a list of departments
receiving the grants and details on the local events are available
on the NVFC website at www.nvfc.org/statefarm. Due to the high
number of impressive applications and the widespread need observed
across the nation, State Farm will continue the grant program in
2025. Please stay tuned to the NVFC opportunities page.
"We had a resounding response to this inaugural year of the
State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, which
demonstrates how needed this support is for our local volunteer
fire departments," Hirsch said. "We are excited to see the direct
impact this will have on departments and communities now and in
years to come."
About State Farm
For over 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been to help
people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the
unexpected and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates
are the largest providers
of auto and home insurance in the United States. Its more than 19,400 agents
and 67,000 employees serve over 91 million policies and accounts –
including auto, fire, life, health, commercial policies
and financial services accounts. Commercial auto
insurance, along with coverage for renters, business
owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available.
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the
State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 39 on the
2024 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information,
please visit http://www.statefarm.com.
About the National Volunteer Fire Council
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit
membership association representing the interests of the volunteer
fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the
volunteer in the national arena and provides critical resources,
programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the
nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.
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SOURCE National Volunteer Fire Council