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State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have once again partnered to support local volunteer fire departments through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program. Now in its second year, the program awarded $10,000 grants to 150 departments in 44 states, including four in Kansas: the City of Oswego Fire Department, Hackberry Township Fire Department in Bartlett, Hoyt Rural Fire District 3, and the Moran Marmaton-Osage Volunteer Fire Department.

The announcement came on Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day, August 18. Volunteers make up 65% of the U.S. fire service, often serving rural communities with limited budgets. Grants help departments afford critical equipment such as protective gear, rescue tools, and communication devices.

Since launching in 2024, the program has provided $2.5 million in grants to 250 departments. State Farm also offered free NVFC memberships to 2,000 responders, expanding access to training and support services.

This fall, State Farm and the NVFC will join 10 grant recipients for community events such as open houses, fire prevention programs, and parades.