NVFC, State Farm 2026 Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program

Through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) collaborate every year to assist local fire departments and improve community readiness. 150 volunteer fire units nationwide received $10,000 prizes totaling $1.5 million in 2025. The equipment that firemen need to respond to emergencies more safely and successfully was purchased with the help of these funds.

Although volunteers make up the bulk of fire departments in the United States, many of these organizations struggle to secure funds for necessary supplies and equipment. In order to help local fire departments improve safety and efficiency and better serve their communities, the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program was established in 2024 with grants totaling $1 million. State Farm raised its pledge to $1.5 million in 2025 due to the obvious need for this support. In order to give the first 2,000 candidates access to more resources, training and assistance, State Farm also gave them one-year NVFC memberships, equipment that boosted their emergency response, improved communication and increased the safety of their firefighters. Chief John Cheek stated, "We are appreciative of this investment, which directly supports our mission to provide safe, effective and dependable service to the community we proudly serve."

See a breakdown of the 2025 grants here. Read on to learn about the impact of these grants as well as information about the 2026 Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program.

Replacing Outdated Gear

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical for firefighter safety, but the cost forces many volunteer fire departments to make do with outdated, insufficient gear. This was true of the Wood River (NE) Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, which relied on gear that had lost its protective integrity. The department used the grant to purchase three new sets of turnout gear to improve firefighter safety and effectiveness. Thanks to the new gear, firefighters were able to act swiftly during a recent home fire to rescue the occupant and extinguish the fire, preventing further injury and damage.

“Issuing new gear to firefighters conducting interior operations is essential to ensuring their safety and protecting their long-term health by reducing exposure to contaminants and chemicals. Newer gear also elevates the professionalism of the department and potentially aids retention and recruitment efforts,” said department secretary Lindsey Nielsen.

The firefighters at Fredonia, AZ, Fire Department are better protected thanks to the new gear they got with the grant. “The men and women are now more prepared to do the job that they volunteer for,” said Town Clerk Tracy Stumpf. “They no longer have ill-fitting, worn-out gear that allows them to be in danger of burns when fighting a fire.” In addition, the support shown to the firefighters led to three more volunteers joining the department and has increased the volunteers’ pride. “It has shown the department they are important to the community,” Stumpf said.

Improved Operations

The Village of New Haven, IL, Fire Department secured portable radios, flashlights, and a 4-gas monitor to improve operations. “This equipment significantly improved firefighter communication, accountability, scene visibility, and air monitoring capabilities,” said Village Clerk Brittany Warren. “All items are now in active service and have enhanced operational efficiency, reduced safety risks, and strengthened protection for firefighters and the community during emergency responses.”

The Paradise Valley Fire Department in Emigrant, MT, was able to acquire tools and equipment that improved communications, standardized PPE and increased firefighter safety. Recent reactions to wildland fires, automobile accidents and structural fires have already made use of the technology.

“Firefighters reported increased visibility, confidence, and reduced fatigue, while improved radio programming ensured clear communications and faster coordination on scene,” said Capt. Mike Wright. “These upgrades directly improved responder safety and effectiveness during real emergency incidents in Paradise Valley.”

According to Stonewall, MS, Volunteer Fire Department Training Officer Stephen Krajewski, the new thermal imaging camera (TIC) the department purchased with the award increases search and rescue effectiveness by identifying victims and hot spots more quickly and cutting down on fire suppression time by up to 30 percent. Additionally, the battery-operated ventilation fan increases visibility and air quality for patients and firefighters while removing smoke more quickly.

“During a recent structure fire, the TIC helped crews quickly locate the fire and hot spots, while the fan improved smoke clearance, making the scene safer. Firefighters report faster response and increased efficiency, and the community feels safer knowing we have this lifesaving equipment,” Krajewski said

Faster Response Times

The award allowed the Nichols, WI, Rural Fire Department (NRFD) to add 300 feet to their large-diameter hose inventory and replace their old, worn-out hose. They would not have been able to purchase this amount of hose for several years without this support.

“Data collection revealed 10-15 percent of district homes are over 500 feet from the road, exposing a critical gap in fire suppression capability. The new hose eliminates the need to wait 15+ minutes for mutual aid, allowing NRFD to establish relay pumping within minutes."

The $10,000 award increased the Valentine, NE, Volunteer Fire Department's budget for radio equipment and accounted for around 15 percent of their annual budget. Their reaction skills were immediately affected by the additional pagers and radios they were able to purchase. The first due truck was fully staffed and out the door in less than five minutes after the department received a page for a structure fire around eight miles outside the town. Additionally, the first truck used the new radios to inform the other firefighters of a better path for the hose lines and arriving vehicles.

“These two elements helped the firefighters to save the house, and the family was able to get their irreplaceable family treasures out safely,” Temple said.

Increased Preparedness

It was previously challenging for the firefighters at the Martinsburg, MO, Area Fire Protection District to obtain the necessary training since they had to borrow equipment. Firefighters were able to add 42 hours of fire and medical training within a month of getting the additional equipment funded by the grant. They are now prepared to carry out all tasks entrusted to them on the scene in a safer manner.

Firefighters' downtime while their equipment is being cleaned is significantly reduced thanks to the two wall-mounted gear dryers that Carsonville, MN, Fire & Rescue received with the award. The equipment used to take roughly 40 hours to dry after washing. As a result, responders have to choose between being unable to respond for days or failing to clean their equipment, which creates major health and safety risks. Each set of turnout gear now only needs four hours to dry thanks to the new dryers.

“Allowing us to wash and dry our gear in 90% less time makes us ready faster than we have ever been [so we are] ready to respond to the next call for help,” said Chief Chris Ayers.

Reduced Hazards on Roadways

Responders are frequently called to roadway emergencies, where they are in danger of getting struck by passing motorists. To better shield firefighters from this threat, the South Bristol, ME, Volunteer Fire Department used the grant to buy orange cones, reflective safety vests, barricades and scene lighting.

“The grant funds significantly improved our ability to operate safely and efficiently at roadway incidents,” said Fire Chief Allen Spinney. “New traffic control and visibility equipment has enhanced scene management, allowing us to establish safer work zones more quickly and be clearly seen by motorists.” Spinney also noted the effect that the new equipment has had on members. “A major success of this equipment purchase has been improved firefighter confidence and professionalism. Proper, modern gear has made members feel safer and better prepared at roadway incidents.”

More Efficient Rescues

To equip their responders to perform life-saving rescue operations, the Butte, SD, Volunteer Fire Department acquired specialized equipment and training. Responders must have the right equipment and training for vehicle rescues due to the extraction difficulties that modern cars provide.

“After purchasing these tools, our department was able to participate in two extrication training classes already this year, resulting in members getting valuable training and becoming familiar with the tools and techniques needed to engage in real life rescue operations,” said Assistant Chief Jim Davis.

Assistant Chief Matthew Franks of the Double Churches Volunteer Fire Department, in Carnesville, GA, claims that the rescue gear, batteries and scene illumination acquired with the funding increase operational readiness and firefighter safety while also improving dependability and reaction times. The device was used to rescue two victims of automobile entrapments shortly after it was delivered.

“Scene lighting and a battery-powered reciprocating saw were essential in extricating a patient in critical condition. The instant startup of battery-powered tools eliminated delays associated with gas powered generators, allowing firefighters to rapidly transfer the patient to EMS and likely saving their life,” Franks said.

Improved Patient Care

The funding helped the Whitesboro, TX, Fire Department reach its objective of saving money to buy two stair chairs for use in medical situations. The new chairs make it easier for crews to carry patients through confined rooms and down stairways, reducing the possibility of harm to either the patient or the responders.

“The availability of these two stair chairs to our crews has made a world of difference,” said Captain Josh Velten. “They are back savers for our crews as they allow for easier lifting and rolling where in the past there would have been a lot of manual lifting involved.” 

He reports that the department received a call for medical assistance to a second-floor flat soon after the chairs were placed into use. The chair made it possible for a crew of two to assist and transport the patient down the stairwell with ease and safety, whereas previously six people would have been needed to remove the patient.

Enhanced Communications

The Creston, NC, Volunteer Fire Department used the funding to get radios and computerized pagers for their volunteers because communication is essential in any emergency response. These changes will improve firefighter safety, speed up member response times to crises, and enable appropriate communications to, on, and during scene operations. The department was instantly affected.

According to Chief Thomas Aycock, “We received early snow and ice within our mountainous district that resulted in three working vehicle accidents almost simultaneously. The new pagers and radios enabled a quick and organized response from our firefighters and related equipment. Additionally, our department responded to a residential structure fire on December 6. The use of our new pagers resulted in a very adequate personnel response and quick extinguishment of the kitchen fire, saving the structure.”

Get Ready for the 2026 Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program

Through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, State Farm will provide an additional $1.5 million in funding in 2026. A $10,000 grant is available to qualified volunteer fire departments for the purchase of equipment that would improve their department and community.

From Monday, May 4 at 12 p.m. EST until Thursday, May 7 at 12 p.m. EST, applications will be accepted. Departments can study the requirements, application guidelines, list of eligible items, and frequently asked questions at www.nvfc.org/statefarm to be ready right away.