$10,000 Grants Awarded to Montana Fire Departments

Three Montana volunteer fire departments are getting a big helping hand thanks to State Farm® and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC).

As part of the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, each department will receive a $10,000 grant to help buy the equipment they need to keep both their firefighters and their communities safe.

A Nationwide Effort to Support Volunteers

In total, $1.5 million was handed out to 150 volunteer fire departments in 44 states. The grants were announced on Monday, August 18, a date recognized by many as Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day.

It’s a fitting time to honor the fact that 65 percent of the U.S. fire service is made up of volunteers. These men and women are the ones who show up when emergencies happen whether it’s a house fire, a car crash, a medical call, or even a natural disaster.

Which Montana Departments Received Grants?

Here in Montana, three departments will benefit from the program: the Paradise Valley Volunteer Fire Department in Emigrant, the Park City Rural Fire District, and the West Kootenai Fire Protection Company in Rexford. For these small-town and rural departments, where budgets are often tight, the grants are a lifeline to secure critical equipment.

Why These Grants Matter

Firefighting equipment isn’t cheap. From protective gear and communication devices to rescue tools and EMS supplies, costs add up fast. Many rural departments struggle to afford the basics. This funding means Montana’s volunteers can work more safely and effectively, while also giving communities peace of mind knowing their responders are better prepared.

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The Bigger Picture

Since the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program began in 2024, $2.5 million has been awarded to 250 local fire departments across the country. The program is one more way to ensure that volunteer firefighters, who risk their lives every day, have the tools they need to protect the people they serve.

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