Two area fire departments receive $10K grants via State Farm, NVFC

State Farm® and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) 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. Through this year’s Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, 150 departments in 44 states received a $10,000 grant, including four departments in Minnesota.

The announcement was made in conjunction with Aug. 18, a date many celebrate as Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day. 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, medical emergencies, natural disasters and hazmat incidents.

Two of the Minnesota departments receiving grants are in the southwest portion of the state, as Wilmont Fire & Rescue and the Walnut Grove Fire Department were both recognized. Also selected for grants were Carsonville Fire & Rescue (Ponsford) and the Clifton Volunteer Fire Department (Duluth).