Empowering Heroes: State Farm® and NVFC Team Up to Give $1 Million to Volunteer Firefighters
April 1, 2025
Program will expand in 2025 to $1.5 million
State Farm® and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) teamed up to launch the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program in 2024. In the inaugural year, 100 volunteer fire departments were each awarded $10,000 grants, for a total of $1 million provided to help local departments increase safety and efficiency and better serve their communities.
Winona Lake (IN) Volunteer Firefighters, Inc. purchased new boots, hoods, helmets, and gloves with the grant.
The grants have been used to purchase a wide variety of department necessities, from structural and wildland firefighting gear, to EMS and rescue equipment, to communication devices, and much more. See a breakdown of the 2024 grants here. State Farm also provided all grant applicants an NVFC membership.
In addition, State Farm and NVFC representatives were pleased to join 10 of the winning departments for on-site events in the fall and provide fire prevention and safety resources for these departments to distribute to their communities. One of these events took place with the Brooklawn (NJ) Volunteer Fire Company. “It was a great joy to share the celebration with the town,” said the fire company’s president, Christina Stewart. “It was amazing to be able to give away fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and flashlights to the community on our busiest night in town and highlight the local impact of State Farm and the NVFC.”
Grants in Action
Already the items purchased with the grants are having significant impacts on local departments and communities. Here are just a few stories of the grants in action.
The Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department (Thibodaux, LA) was able to purchase a Jaws of Life to help save lives.
Improving Chances for Survival
The Mid-Lauderdale Volunteer Fire Department (MLVFD) in Florence, AL, used the grant to purchase AEDs, compact suction units, and EMS bags. Within 24 hours of putting these items into service, this lifesaving equipment was utilized in a cardiac arrest, where an AED delivered five shocks and a suction unit cleared the patient’s airway, giving the patient the best possible chance of survival.
“Faster access to AEDs and improved airway management will continue to enhance MLVFD’s ability to respond effectively. Equipping four frontline apparatus identically has increased efficiency, ensuring responders have the tools needed in critical situations,” said Captain Justin Bishop.
Saving Property
The Bluff Dale (TX) Volunteer Fire Department secured dual purpose gear for wildfire and vehicle crash response along with rescue equipment that enables the department to be ready for a variety of responses.
The department recently responded as mutual aid to a 200-acre fire. According to Assistant Chief Kevin Russell, “We were able to send five fully equipped trucks with properly outfitted firefighters to help get this fire under control. During this fire, no structures or life were lost. In addition, cattle were protected and a nearby Performance Horse Ranch was untouched.”
Enhancing Communications
The Green Township Volunteer Fire Department (Greendell, NJ) was in immediate need of new portable radios. Thanks to the grant, it was able to secure seven portable radios and related accessories. The radios were immediately beneficial; within three days of being installed, they were used on an extrication call. A small dog was trapped in a heating vent in a home, and crews using the new radios were able to scatter around the house and communicate the exact location of the missing dog.
“These radios were vital in the successful extraction and safe return of this small animal,” said Assistant Chief Jeremy Willis. He also praised the grant for providing local departments with the equipment they need to do their jobs, whatever that may be. “While it is nice to want grand items, do not overlook the necessities that you need… The addition of portable radios is the lifeblood of the fire service, especially in an incident where sight is limited.”
Litchfield (NE) Volunteer Fire Department was able to purchase four complete sets of turnout gear.
Improving Scene Safety
The Hornbrook (CA) Fire Protection District was able to purchase needed resources to enhance on-scene safety and efficiency, including firefighter personal protective equipment, upgraded radio equipment and pagers, and added scene lighting for better visibility during structure fires. “These improvements enhance firefighter safety, response coordination, and operational effectiveness, ensuring we continue providing high-quality service to our community,” said Chief Tim Thurner.
Already the new resources have been put to use with the PPE protecting firefighters during high-risk situations, the radio and pager systems improving communication, and the scene lighting proving invaluable during a recent structure fire to ensure safer operations. “These improvements have strengthened our ability to respond quickly and safely, directly benefiting our firefighters and the community we serve,” Thurner explained.
Sabin (MN) Elmwood Fire Department secured a search and rescue drone.
Expanding Capabilities
The Lawrence Township Fire Department (Clearfield, PA) used the grant for a thermal drone that it would not have been able to secure otherwise. The drone has been used to help assess storm damage and locate missing pets and people, including a child who ran away during a winter storm.
The Kellogg Rural Fire District (Umpqua, OR) has also gained enhanced situational awareness, increased efficiency, and improved safety for firefighters and the community thanks to its new grant-funded drone. The drone has already played a crucial role in two emergency calls – in both cases the drone was able to search for potential victims in and around the Umpqua River and help confirm no one was in distress.
Reducing Hazards
Operations at the Bungay Fire Brigade (Woodstock, CT) have been greatly enhanced thanks to the ventilation fan and four-gas meter that were obtained with the grant. The fan has been used on several fires, and the four-gas meter ensures homes are safe to enter after a fire.
“The new ventilation fan and four-gas meter have already made a significant impact,” explained Chief David Elliott. “During a recent house fire, the fan quickly cleared toxic smoke, improving air quality and making rescue efforts safer. The meter ensured safe entry into a fire-damaged home by detecting hazardous gases. Firefighters and residents alike have expressed gratitude for these tools, which have made operations faster, safer, and more effective. The grant funding has truly enhanced our ability to protect the community.”
Increasing Readiness
The grant enabled the Yuma (CO) Volunteer Fire Department to obtain a modern compressor system, transforming operational efficiency and significantly enhancing readiness. SCBA tanks are now filled 80% faster than before, reducing response delays and increasing firefighter safety. It eliminates off-site refill costs, which will save about $2,000 annually, and extends emergency coverage by 50%.
According to grant manager Angela Cordell, “This upgrade bolstered readiness, improved community safety, and boosted morale, ensuring better protection for Yuma and surrounding areas.”
Announcing the 2025 Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program
Due to the clear need for the grant program and the significant local impact it has, State Farm will once again team up with the NVFC to continue the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program in 2025 with an exciting update. This year, $1.5 million will be awarded, with 150 departments each receiving a $10,000 grant. The grant application period will be open for three days from June 4-6, which coincides with State Farm’s Founders Day and the 90th anniversary of the State Farm Fire Company. Stay tuned to www.nvfc.org/statefarm for details, coming soon.
James Cullen of the Stockdale (PA) Volunteer Fire Department noted the long-lasting importance of a program like this to the fire service. “This funding is not merely a financial boost; it represents confidence in our mission and the collective effort to enhance community safety. We stand proud, driven by gratitude, and resolute in our commitment to being the good neighbors that State Farm champions. Through the combined efforts of dedicated volunteers and generous support, we will continue to protect and serve our community with renewed vigor and purpose.”
About the NVFC
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.
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 19K 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.
