The Litchfield Volunteer Fire Department (LVFD) has announced that it is one of 100 volunteer fire departments across the nation, and the only one in the state, to receive a $10,000 grant through the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program. With the grant, the department will be able to purchase four complete sets of bunker gear.
In collaboration with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), State Farm has awarded $1 million in grants to help local fire departments responders obtain needed equipment to increase safety, effectiveness and ability to serve communities.
Several new members have joined LVFD in the last two years which, while a blessing, has put a financial strain on the department to provide all of the new members with gear while also replacing outdated gear for long time members. A couple of outdated sets will be replaced and a couple new sets will be provided thanks to the grant.
“Due to the high cost of bunker gear and the fact that it has a shelf life of 7-10 years, it makes it hard for smaller departments to keep up with the demand. We need this gear to protect our firefighters as we fight fires and doing automobile extraction. With the help of grants such as this one provided by State Farm and the NVFC it helps us to get the gear and equipment we need that we may not be able to attain on our own,” said LVFD Fire Chief Mike Beck, who thanked State Farm and NVFC. “We will be better equipped and prepared so we can respond at our best. Thank you to everyone very much for the support of firefighters and first responders.”
This is the inaugural year of the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, which aims to support volunteer departments that play a critical role across the country while operating on tight budgets. Originally, State Farm (in collaboration with the NVFC) aimed to award 50 grants to local fire departments. However, overwhelming response prompted them to double their commitment to 100 grants.
All applicants for the grant were provided with a membership to NVFC, the leading association representing volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services with tools, resources, and training to help them thrive.
You can learn more about the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety program here.
