Just in time for Fire Prevention Week Oct. 6-12, Winnsboro Volunteer Fire Dept. (WVFD) announces it is one of 100 volunteer fire departments across the nation to receive a $10,000 grant through the State Farm® Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program.

In collaboration with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), State Farm has awarded $1 million in grants to help local fire departments obtain needed equipment to increase their responders’ safety, effectiveness and ability to serve their community. 

With this grant, WVFD will be able to purchase personal firefighting gear which includes bunker gear, helmets, gloves, boots and more. PPE for each firefighter costs an average of $5,000 and has a limited shelf life. It is imperative that new updated gear be provided to volunteer firefighters to keep them as safe as possible and to stay within NFPA standards. 

“Our firefighters work hard to protect our community, helping their neighbors on their worst day. It is critical that we are able to provide these dedicated volunteers with the tools and resources they need to do their job safely and effectively,” said Mark Griffin, WVFD fire chief. “Thanks to this donation, we will be better equipped and prepared so we can respond at our best.”

This is the inaugural year of the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, which initially was planned to assist 50 departments but was expanded due to the overwhelming response.

Departments also receive an NVFC membership.