Six Nebraska volunteer fire departments were each awarded a $10,000 grant through State Farm’s Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program. The grants, announced on Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day, are part of a nationwide effort that selected only six of the 150 volunteer departments receiving funding.
Local departments honored
The recipient departments are located in Decatur, Fordyce, Gering, Gurley, Oconto and Syracuse. Each department will use the funds to acquire equipment that improves safety and response capabilities, ranging from protective gear to tools for handling hazardous‑material incidents.
Partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council
State Farm partnered with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to identify departments most in need of resources. NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch praised the partnership, noting that many volunteer units rely on outdated or insufficient equipment because of limited budgets. “Volunteer firefighters are there for their communities no matter what the emergency, from structure and wildland fires to vehicle crashes and medical emergencies to natural disasters and hazardous‑materials incidents,” Hirsch said. “We thank State Farm for taking action to address this need by helping local departments secure critical equipment so they can do their jobs more safely and effectively.”
Why the grant matters
Volunteer fire departments are the backbone of emergency response in many rural Nebraska communities. Unlike full‑time municipal fire services, volunteers often fund their own training, equipment and facility upkeep. The State Farm grants provide a rare infusion of capital that can bridge gaps left by limited local tax revenues.
For the towns receiving the grants, the impact is immediate. In Decatur, the department plans to replace aging turnout gear that has seen years of use. Fordyce’s crew will purchase a new portable pump to improve water‑delivery capabilities during wildland fires. Gering intends to acquire a modern thermal imaging camera to aid in search‑and‑rescue missions. Gurley’s grant will fund a set of personal‑protective equipment for its medical response team, while Oconto will buy a rescue basket for water‑related incidents. Syracuse’s department will use the money to upgrade its communications radio system, ensuring clearer coordination during multi‑agency responses.
Community response
Local officials and residents expressed gratitude for the support. Mayor John Miller of Gering highlighted the importance of keeping volunteer firefighters equipped, saying, “Our volunteers put their lives on the line every day. This grant helps ensure they have the tools they need to protect our families and property.”
State Farm’s initiative reflects a broader corporate commitment to public safety and community resilience. By working with the NVFC, the insurer aims to target resources where they can have the greatest impact, especially in rural areas where volunteer services are essential.
Looking ahead
The Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program will continue to evaluate applications nationwide, with future rounds expected to support additional departments. For now, the six Nebraska fire districts will celebrate the grant as a tangible boost to their readiness and a reminder that private‑public partnerships can strengthen local safety nets.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
