Florida Volunteer Fire Department Among 150 Nationwide Awarded $10,000 Grant Through State Farm® and NVFC Program
Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of countless communities across the United States, often responding to emergencies with limited resources but unlimited dedication. This year, thanks to the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, 150 volunteer fire departments across 44 states will receive critical financial support to purchase much-needed equipment and gear.
Among them is the Alford Volunteer Fire Department in Florida, which has been awarded a $10,000 grant to strengthen its ability to protect the community.
The program, a partnership between State Farm® and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), awarded a total of $1.5 million to volunteer fire departments in 2025. The announcement was made on August 18, coinciding with Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day, a fitting tribute to the men and women who make up 65% of the U.S. fire service. These responders risk their lives daily to answer calls ranging from structure and wildland fires to medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents, and natural disasters.
For many small-town and rural fire departments, budgets are often stretched thin, making it difficult to afford essential protective gear, modern communication devices, or updated rescue tools.
Grants such as those provided by the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program are a lifeline, ensuring that departments can continue to operate safely and effectively. The $10,000 awards will be used to purchase a wide variety of necessities, including personal protective equipment (PPE), EMS supplies, rescue tools, and other critical resources.
“The NVFC is proud to team up with State Farm to continue the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program and provide critical assistance to volunteer fire departments,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch.
“Firefighting and rescue equipment is expensive, and many departments struggle to find the funding they need. These grants from State Farm enable small departments to secure equipment they need to be better prepared to serve their communities and protect their responders.”
State Farm also emphasized its commitment to community safety and the volunteer spirit. “We are proud to support volunteer firefighters – the ultimate good neighbors who risk their lives daily,” said Rasheed Merritt, State Farm’s corporate responsibility assistant vice president.
“At State Farm, we’re committed to helping people manage everyday risks and building safer, stronger communities.”As part of the program, State Farm and the NVFC will also join 10 of the recipient departments this fall at community engagement events. These gatherings may include open houses, fire prevention activities, parades, or other local celebrations designed to connect firefighters with the people they serve.
In addition to the financial grants, State Farm has provided complimentary NVFC memberships to the first 2,000 eligible applicants. These memberships give volunteer responders access to free training opportunities, support services, and a host of other benefits to help them better perform their life-saving work.
Since launching in 2024, the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program has awarded $2.5 million in grants to 250 fire departments nationwide.
For more details and a full list of this year’s grant recipients, visit the NVFC website at www.nvfc.org/statefarm.
