By Jonathan Eberle |

The Fredonia Fire Department has been awarded a $10,000 grant through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, a national initiative from State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC).

The program, now in its second year, distributed a total of $1.5 million to 150 volunteer fire departments in 44 states. The announcement came on August 18, which is recognized as Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day.

Volunteer firefighters make up about 65 percent of the U.S. fire service and often serve in rural or small-town communities with limited budgets. The grants are designed to help departments purchase equipment that enhances safety and emergency response capabilities, including protective gear, medical and rescue tools, and communication devices.

“Firefighting and rescue equipment is expensive, and many departments struggle to find the funding they need,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch. “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.”

Rasheed Merritt, State Farm’s corporate responsibility assistant vice president, emphasized the company’s commitment to public safety. “We are proud to support volunteer firefighters – the ultimate good neighbors who risk their lives daily,” Merritt said.

In addition to the financial awards, State Farm provided free NVFC memberships to the first 2,000 eligible applicants, offering volunteer responders access to training, resources, and support services.

Since launching in 2024, the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program has distributed $2.5 million to 250 departments nationwide. This fall, State Farm and the NVFC will participate in community engagement events with 10 of the grant recipients, which could include fire prevention activities, parades, or open houses.

Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.